Woolgrower assists with upskilling shearers

"They are very important to my business, but some do need a bit of upskilling and that is why I have provided my shed and sheep for this school.

"If I can assist the industry in any way by helping train shearers, I am pleased."

Mr Schirmer said he along with all sheep producers and woolgrowers depended on shearers.

"It is nice to see them doing a good job," he said.

"Without them we wouldn't be able to run sheep here."

The AWI Shear N Gear Workshop held at Rushton, attracted twelve improver shearers and they were guided through their paces by AWI accredited trainers Richard Leahy, Tom Kelly and Boogie Ferguson.

They were supported by Dan Thomas, a shearer from Walbundrie, who was attending his first shearing as a trainer.,

"Everything I have I earned there," Mr Leahy said when pointing to the board where four stands were in operation.

"Shearing has been very good to me and now I can put something back in by helping learners and improvers make their jobs a lot easier."

Mr Leahy said there were great opportunities for men and women in the wool industry, and the AWI sponsored workshops are an easy entry to the industry.

"Shearing well is a skill, and if I can show people a few little tricks to make the job easier, then I have succeeded with this workshop," he said.

"This workshop is grower-funded through AWI, which is a great thing, they are supporting their own industry.

"It is important to upskill the people in the industry."

The shearers attending this workshop were classed as 'improver professionals" who were keen to learn a few of the finer points of shearing from the more experienced trainers.

"When they become proficient, it is a good career, very rewarding," Mr Leahy said.

"You can earn real good money now and if you put your head down and have a bit of a go, you can get a lot out of it."

Mr Leahy pointed out that a skilled shearer will never be out of work and can plan for at least six weeks of holidays each year.

He also paid tribute to the support from John Schirmer and his family who made his shed and crossbred ewes available for the workshop.

"This wouldn't have happened without John, we've got to have the facilities and we've got to have the sheep," he said.

"And slowly, but surely there are more woolgrowers who want to get involved with these workshops, which is great - it's great for everyone."

Mr Leahy pointed out to anyone considering a job in the wool industry, shearing is a great career.

"It is something you have to work at but once you are skilled there is so much work out there, so much money to be made."

At his first workshop as an AWI shearer trainer, Dan Thomas said he was keen to help the next generation with his experience.

He has been a shearer for the past eight years and admits it can be tough job at times.

"But if you have a go and even attend these workshops, shearing can be easy if you learn properly," he said.

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