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A Sheep Shearer removes wool from sheep. You might use machine shears or hand held blades and you may be responsible for maintaining your shearing equipment. Sheep Shearers may have to collect sheep and get them ready for shearing and bring them back to counting pens afterwards. You’ll check animals for infections and keep an eye out for any problems with their wool.
Being a Sheep Shearer is a very physically demanding role. You’ll work long hours and need to be ready for heavy lifting and manual labour. Sheep Shearers need to be comfortable handling animals and should be skilled in using a range of shearing equipment. You’ll be working as part of a team and you must be capable of following directions.
There are 2 courses available for people who want to become a Sheep Shearer.
Possible job outcomes:
The AHC21316 Certificate II in Shearing is a hands-on course that brings your shearing skills and technique to a professional level. Over 18 weeks of study you’ll learn how to prepare and sharpen grind combs and cutters, as well as crutch and shear different breeds of sheep. Graduate able to shear at least 40 adult merino sheep or 50 adult crossbred sheep per day — the minimum standard for a novice shearer. Enquire now for your nearest training centre and the list of upcoming enrolment dates..
Average duration: 12 months.
Learn to shear sheep at a professional level with the AHC32916 Certificate III in Shearing. This nationally recognised training course teaches you how to maintain consistent shearing performance while shearing at least 140 crossbred sheep per day. The course takes 12 months to complete and also covers equipment maintenance, animal welfare, work health and safety processes. Enquire now for the list of training centres and enrolment opportunities..
In Australia, a full time Sheep Shearer generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people employed as a Sheep Shearer has grown strongly in recent years. There are currently 6,500 people in this role in Australia compared to 5,800 five years ago. Sheep Shearers will usually find work in rural and regional areas of Australia.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections
If you’re thinking of becoming a Sheep Shearer, a Certificate II in Shearing is an ideal qualification for you. You’ll learn a range of shearing skills and techniques and cover topics including preparing and sharpening grind combs and cutters and crutching and shearing different breeds of sheep. You could further your studies with a Certificate III in Shearing or a Certificate IV in Shearing Contracting.
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Here are some potential career pathways within livestock and animal production. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Livestock and Animal Production
Bore Runner
$960 weekly pay
Farmhand
Livestock Transporter
Pen Rider
Piggery Attendant
Poultry Farm Worker
Sheep Shearer
Sheep Shearing Trainer
Station Hand
Wool Classer
Wool Worker
Agribusiness Manager
$1,440 weekly pay
Dairy Farm Manager
Farm Manager
Organic Farmer
Station Manager
Stock and Station Agent
$1,150 weekly pay
Learn more about Sheep Shearer courses in your area.