CONCERN about the shortage of skilled staff to work in shearing sheds has prompted a group of Boorowa wool growers to highlight the industry as a satisfying and long-term career.
The Boorowa Wool Harvesting Association Inc. was formed in July 2014 and is an independent organisation responding to the demand for the education of young people working in the wool industry.
Initiated by Leanne Croker and with the support of world champion shearer Ian Elkins, the group has the backing of local businesses in the Boorowa district, local shearing contractors, stud owners and Australian Wool Innovation.
When Mrs Croker retired from her nursing career in 2009, she continued her support of the Boorowa community and the local agricultural industry by assisting in the education and training of youth in the wool harvesting industry.
"Young people can learn to shear in a shed environment with no official education and training,'' Mrs Croker said.
"However, in order to improve their skills and ensure good quality before quantity of sheep shearing, we must provide educational opportunities with people like Ian Ellkins and other experienced instructors, so these young people can be the best at their game."
Mrs Croker is the fourth generation to be involved in the wool industry, partnering her husband Tony in the management of the family property, "Willow Dale", at Rugby.
"Coming from a family with a long line of shearers and landowners, I didn't want to see damage to the future of Australia's wool industry," she said.
"I could see there was a decrease in the number of young people interested in becoming a shearers or wool handlers after leaving school."
The first shearing and wool handling development school was held on "Burrowa Hills", Galong, the property of Ross Dwyer from March 16 to 20 this year.
Limited to ages 16 to 21 years, attendees came from Boorowa, Murringo and Taralga.
At the close of the course, they were proficient in all aspects of shearing and wool handling, including penning up, catching and dragging sheep correctly onto the board, grinding their shearing combs, work health and safety practices, personal health, exercise and maintaining their personal well-being.
Mr Elkins was inducted into the Shearers Hall of Fame at Hay during the annual Festival of Blades held across the Easter weekend for his contribution to the wool industry as a coach and mentor for young shearers.
"I love being able to promote the industry to the next generation and teach them the skills and values they need to be successful," he said.
"Remember the old saying - 'Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life'.
"That's exactly what I have done, and it is something I plan to keep doing."
Mark Veness from Rye Park was the recipient of the 2014 Wool Harvesting Association Scholar- ship, and spent two weeks at the Western TAFE Dubbo honing his skills.
His parents Robyn and Gary are involved in the wool industry and supported him in his desire to have a similar career.
But they were adamant he get good training.
Mr Veness said the concept had tremendous support from the community, and increasing employ-ment opportunities.
"It reinforced everything I learnt at Western TAFE and I gained extra knowledge about the importance of nutrition and looking after myself," he said.
