Wool School to help train the next generation of shearers

Jane Howlett, Minister for Primary Industries and Water
Felix Ellis, Minister for Skills and Training

Growing jobs in the wool industry will be made easier with the establishment of Tasmania’s first shearing and wool handling innovation centre.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the $1.5m ‘Wool School’ is part of the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, which is helping to deliver a stronger economy and jobs for Tasmanians into the future.

“Agriculture is a pillar of the Tasmanian economy, but like many sectors has found it difficult to attract skilled workers, with critical skills shortages being experienced in the wool industry,” Minister Howlett said.

“Currently there are limited opportunities for education and training within the wool industry that do not require students and teachers to travel interstate.

“That’s why the Tasmanian Government will provide $1.5 million for the Midland Agricultural Association to establish a shearing and wool handling innovation centre.

“The centre will include state-of-the-art facilities, a shearing shed and associated amenities at the Campbell Town Showgrounds.”

Minister Howlett said that by collaborating with organisations like the MAA the Tasmanian Government can help to build the capacity of the agricultural sector.

Minister for Skills and Training, Felix Ellis, said the Wool School will expand on the training already being supported through Skills Tasmania’s Training and Work Pathways Program.

“We will invest in a centralised education, training and competition facility at Campbell Town, which will provide a jobs pathway for the Tasmanian wool industry,” Minister Ellis said.

“The new Centre is supported by Australian Wool Innovation for large-scale delivery of training programs and will allow Tasmania to host national shearing competitions as a showcase for regional Tasmania and mechanism to attract new shearers.”

The Midland Agricultural Association (MAA) will operate the Centre and will work with TasTAFE and other regional training organisations to leverage opportunities.

Up to $200,000 will be provided to industry to support training opportunities.