Connecting job seekers with the wool industry - new strategy dealing with skills shortage

After two weeks of hard work, five clients from Queensland's St George branch of Mission Australia Employment Solutions (ES) have found a new opportunity for sustainable employment.

The clients were part of a program with the simple goal of connecting them with industries experiencing a shortage of skilled workers.

After consulting Ian Bateman of the Cashel Vale wool station at Bollon, Queensland, ES employment advisor Petra Stride realised an opportunity for job seekers.

Australia's shearers and wool classers are an ageing population. Combined with a shortage of new qualified workers entering the industry, wool stations are experiencing significant skills shortages.

"This wool handling course is a stepping stone which can be taken further with wool classing training and other upskilling" Petra said recently.

"I'm ecstatic about the enthusiasm shown. It is rewarding to see that the efforts gone into organising this course has had positive outcomes."

The clients thrived on the hard work, the healthy competition between shearers and the opportunity for long term employment in the country.

"This is my first time in the shed. I've been an office girl, but will now start a career in the wool handling industry. We've been told you get to see a lot of the country." said one trainee.

Another St George client demonstrated such a prowess with the shears that he has been invited by Mr Bateman to compete in the Longreach Diamond Shears competition.  He's been learning to muster sheep with motorbikes on the property and finds the whole experience "refreshing".

Trainer Mick Nancarrow is thrilled at his trainee's progress "They have been a top class. They're keen and I'm excited about them going into the industry"

The trainees will attain a Certificate II in Wool Handling and have already been placed in the industry for 150 hours of training.  Once complete they will be ready for full time employment in the industry.

Visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/pathways-sustainable-employment for more information on our ES programs