Eager young shearers in the Upper Lachlan are currently learning the blows with some of the most experienced shearers in Australia teaching at a training facility funded by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).
Teaching the novice shearers to handle mobs of superfine sheep at “Lower Sylvia Vale”, Binda, are the legendary Ian Elkins, Canberra, and Shaun Wilson, Young.
Mr Elkins said the prospects for the shearing industry are positive. He had 12 young shearers turn up for the week and 45 moved through the school in Cooma recently.
“This year is the best response to shearer training in the 13 years I’ve been instructing,” Mr Elkins said.
“It could be a reaction to the mining boom coming to an end, but also because AWI are placing more schools into regional areas.
“We are on the front foot with young people entering back into the shearing industry.”
Students attending the school came from Crookwell, Bigga, Laggan and Boorowa.
