Pathway to a career in the shearing shed

With the national flock in a rebuilding phase, strong growth is expected for shearers in the coming years, with employment numbers predicted to increase to 7100 jobs nationally by 2024.

Tyron Cochrane is one such young shearer who wants to travel the world as a shearer just like his dad and grandfather before him.

Tyron works full-time with a Dubbo shearing contractor and has completed a Statement of Attainment in Introduction to Shearing and Wool Harvesting.

Originally from Goodooga in north west NSW, the 17-year-old left school last year and decided work was the pathway for him.

"My dad and my pop are shearers, so it runs through me - I'm proud to do what they did," Tyron said.

"I like the freedom of it and I want to travel."

TAFE allows Tyron to focus and learn in an environment away from the shearing sheds.

"You can't really focus at the sheds because we're all too busy, we're all trying to make a dollar," he said.

"Coming to TAFE NSW is great because it means I can slow down and learn the skills I need to get more confident on the tools."

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TAFE NSW teacher Wayne Hosie said the courses aimed to build industry relevant skills and teach students how to work swiftly and safely while doing a quality job.

"We teach the most modern techniques and someone like Tyron responds so well in this environment," he said.

"He's a hands-on learner, a doer, so this type of practical course really works for him."

Students are taught by ex-shearers with years of industry experience.

"Shearing is physically demanding, so it's important to teach our students to be able to control the sheep effectively to ensure the least stress on their body and on the animal," Mr Hosie said.

"The more skills and knowledge you have in this industry, the better off you are.

"You get paid per sheep so you want to work quickly, but you also need to be safety conscious at all times, and have a strong focus on quality to deliver good returns for woolgrowers."