Shearer Training to Help AU Wool Industry

September 8, 2006 - The Australian Agricultural College Corporation says it is training up a new breed of professional shearers to help Queensland's struggling wool industry.

Shearing students at the Longreach campus have just completed shearing more than 3,500 sheep.

Campus manager Peter Scott says he is proud of the students, who are all eager to work hard and join the sector.

"The wool industry needs staff. There's a demand for shearers, shed hands, wool classers and shearers' cooks. We're trying to target that industry now and get people trained up," he said.

"I'm concerned our wool industry may fall over because we don't have the staff," concluded Scott.

"News coverage of this type confirms that the United States is not alone in its concerns over shearer shortages," commented Bob Padula, American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) wool quality consultant. "ASI has implemented programs to encourage involvement in this crucial portion of the sheep industry."
Reprinted in part from ABC Online Australia

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