Shearers play a key role in the Australian wool industry and training proficient shearers is essential to the success of this industry. If you’d like to get started as a shearer, this skill set is the perfect way to get the skills you need.
You’ll learn about handling sheep humanely, to industry standard animal welfare requirements, and how to use a range of machinery and equipment related to sheep shearing. You’ll also learn how to handle wool and fleece for production.
By the end of your training, you’ll be able to shear a minimum of 40 adult merino sheep or 50 adult cross-bred sheep per day, to industry standards.
This course remains FEE FREE in 2024! No course fees apply!
This skill set contains the following nationally recognised unit/s of competency.
| Unit code | Unit title |
|---|---|
| AHCLSK217 | Apply animal welfare principles to handling and husbandry of livestock |
| AHCSHG201 | Crutch sheep |
| AHCSHG203 | Shear sheep to novice level |
| AHCSHG205 | Grind combs and cutters for machine shearing |
| AHCSHG206 | Prepare handpiece and downtube for machine shearing |
| AHCSHG210 | Undertake basic shearing and crutching |
In vocational education and training (VET), a skill set is a short course that's developed by choosing individual units of competency from a full qualification (or qualifications) that target a specific set of skills and knowledge, to meet the needs of industry or a particular job role.
The units of competency in a skill set are nationally accredited and recognised.
This means that when you successfully complete a skill set, you will receive a Statement of Attainment as an official record. This verifies that you have completed those units, so that you can receive credit for them should you continue on to further study.
Skill sets are also used to upskill workers for specific skills and knowledge required for their job; or in situations where a full qualification is not required.
The units in this skill set may lead to the qualifications listed below, and others that allow selection of these units.
- Certificate II in Agriculture
- Certificate II in Shearing
- Certificate II in Wool Handling
- Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling
It's important that you choose the best possible training option, to suit your needs. The good news is that there's something for everyone — whether you're just starting out and seeking your first job; skilling up for a career change or promotion, or whatever your situation... but getting some good advice is always a good idea.
Your local Jobs and Skills Centre offers professional information, advice and support for all things training, jobs and careers, and all their services are 100% free!
Centres are located across Perth and through regional WA — you can call your local JSC on 13 64 64 for a chat, or use our map to find your closest centre and drop in for a visit.
Choose a WA TAFE college that delivers this course
To find out more about doing this course at a WA TAFE college, select one of the TAFEs listed below to read their course descriptions. You'll also be able to see at which TAFE campus/es the course is delivered.
If you would like further information such as when the course is available and how to enrol, and details of course fees, or if you have questions about how the course is delivered, please follow the Find out more link to go to the TAFE's website where you will find full course details and contact information so that you can speak to the TAFE directly.
Shearers play a key role in the Australian wool industry and training proficient shearers is essential to the success of this industry.
The Shearing Skill Set will deliver practical training and support and provide you with a sound foundation to build a career in this important industry. Participants will gain the skills and knowledge to handle sheep humanely and use machinery and equipment to shear and crutch sheep.
At the completion of this training you will be work-ready for the shearing and wool handling industry and should be shearing a minimum of 40 adult merino sheep or 50 adult cross bred sheep per day to industry standards.
On successful completion of this course, students will receive a statement of attainment for the following units:
AHCLSK217 Apply animal welfare principles to handling and husbandry of livestock AHCSHG201 Crutch sheep AHCSHG203 Shear sheep to novice level AHCSHG205 Grind combs and cutters for machine shearing AHCSHG206 Prepare handpiece and downtube for machine shearing AHCSHG210Undertake basic shearing and crutching
Study modes and duration differ depending on your local campus. Please check with your local campus for more information.
The information presented on the course lists within this website is provided to the Department of Training and Workforce Development by the WA TAFE colleges and private training providers, and is offered as a guide only. It is updated regularly, however some changes to details may occur in between updates. You should always contact the TAFE or private training provider directly to confirm details and/or ask questions.