Supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers and wool handlers is crucial to a thriving British sheep sector and for ensuring the highest standards.
British Wool’s newly launched programme will see successful Young Farmers Club (YFC) members receive one year’s free access to British Wool training courses, including machine shearing (two courses), gear training and wool handling.
The successful entrants will also be invited to Bradford to visit the head office and grading depot as well as learn more about the wool processing chain.
Anyone interested in winning one of the three places available on this exciting training and development programme, will need to be a registered YFC member, either with or without previous shearing experience.
To be entered into the competition, they will need to submit a short video or send an email explaining why they should be chosen for the opportunity.
Closing date for entries is March 31, 2021, and the competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts from the shearing sector and British Wool.
The competition is also supported by Lister Shearing who have provided a package of shearing equipment to the value of £500 for each country winner.
Working with British Wool
Competition winners will be expected to work with British Wool by sharing their training journey over 14 months on social media, the press and online.
For the third year, British Wool is also continuing its training offer for young farmer members. The beginner shearing course, which is one aspect of the offer available, enables YFC members to work towards a Blue Seal award.
The course will be over two days, covering all the essential aspects of achieving a successful shearing season, including health and safety, the use of shearing equipment and hands-on shearing practice to develop your technique.
This offer is open to YFC members who have not previously attended a British Wool shearing course.
Excellent fleece presentation starts at shearing but equally important is the work of the wool hander in ensuring the wool is presented correctly and to a high standard.
British Wool is therefore extending its training offer to YFC members to also participate in its wool handling course.
Richard Schofield, shearing manager, British Wool, said:
We are once again delighted to be working with Young Farmers’ Clubs in supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers.
“Covid-19 restrictions permitting, we look forward to welcoming young farmers onto our courses again this year and would encourage any interested YFC member to contact British Wool’s regional coordinator for their area before the respective closing date.”
