Industry Overview
Students will be introduced to the agricultural industry, how significant it is for Australia, and learn how what they’re about to do fits into the big picture. They’ll also be introduced to a variety of careers within agriculture, before delving deeper into the sheep shearers career path.

Sheep Handling
Students will find out what an animals flight zone is, and then use that information to handle the sheep safely, manoeuvring them by positioning yourself on the right side of the point of balance. Once you know how it’s surprisingly easy to move sheep, and students are always delighted when they successfully implement this simple technique.

Wool Handling
Sheep shearing is a most definitely a team activity, and the wool handler’s primary role is to prepare the wool clip under the instruction of the wool classer, keep the shed clean and prepare raw fleeces for pressing into bales.

Sheering & Crutching
Students will learn how to use the various hand pieces and tools involved in the sheering process, and they’ll learn about crutching too - the process of shearing around the tail and between the rear legs of a sheep, which prevents soiling of the wool, improves hygiene and prevents flystrike.

The entire process is a very much a group effort, and requires teamwork, self-discipline and level-headedness to ensure it all runs smoothly. Your students will learn all of this, and put it all into practice on the day. They’ll leave with their eyes opened to a completely different career, an idea of how livestock is managed before it gets to the supermarket (!) while enjoying an incredibly fun, and memorable experience.

Health And Safety Risk Assessment

All the safety and risk assessments are fully up to date, and compliant with Department of Education regulations.

What to Bring

Sheep shearing is a fairly intensive activity, so make sure your students wear long trousers and enclosed shoes. They’ll also need to bring lunch, water and snacks, and a towel as they’re probably going to work up a sweat, no matter what the weather’s doing. Full details will be provided well in advance, once you’ve booked your class onto the course.

Instructor

Josh Clayton
We’re so lucky to have the wonderful Josh Clayton as our resident AWI Sheep Searing Instructor. In addition to being one of the fastest shearers in the country, he’s also a sports psychologist and is incredibly good at getting the best out of your students, and inspiring them to work together as a team.