WA Boyup Brook - Novice Shearer and Wool Handler Course – January 12-16 2026
Our Novice Wool Handling & Shearing Courses are designed for learner shearers to provide a solid introduction to the Wool Harvesting industry and create a pathway to obtaining ongoing employment. Once completed you may be employable as a wool handler or a "learner shearer".
Novice Courses are 5 day live-in, shed based, practical training taught by leading industry trainers. These courses are provided by Australian Wool Innovation and are offered at only $250 to accepted participants.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Over 18 years of age: if between 16-18 years must have an approved guardian on the course
- $250 fee payable upon course acceptance and before the course
Novice Courses are suitable for new entrants needing to learn wool handling, existing wool handlers looking to learn new skills in shearing or existing novices needing more training. Whilst we can take a new entrant that has no experience, priority is given to those working in the industry who have an opportunity for a full time stand as a learner shearer or a job offer as a wool handler.
You will learn about a range of skills such as handling sheep for sheep shearing, requirements specific to shearing & using equipment such as grinding combs, cutters & setting up a handpiece, maintaining your health & wellbeing for the shearing industry & financial budgeting for seasonal workers. Throughout the course you will also be taught all aspects of wool handling, wool pressing & clip preparation to prepare you to go straight into the industry as a wool handler or “learner shearer”.
The aim for you upon completion of the course is to be a wool handler or a novice shearer who is able to shear a minimum of 40 adult merino sheep or 50 adult crossbred sheep per day to an acceptable industry standard.
Location: Boyup Brook, WA
Date: Monday January 12 to Friday January 16
Trainers: Luke Harding, Damien Boyle & Nola Terry
Cost: $250
