Start your sheep shearing adventure by learning how to handle, catch, position and crutch sheep as a beginner. Whether you're new or revisiting, this course imparts safe crutching methods, underscores animal welfare, and highlights teamwork in the shearing shed.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Identify and comply with animal welfare standards
Prepare handpieces and downtubes for machine shearing
Prepare combs and cutters for crutching and shearing
Perform crutching
Follow workplace health and safety protocols
Work in a team environment in the shearing shed
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited Statement of Attainment
A pathway to further study in shearing
Experience handling sheep in a safe and ethical manner
Knowledge of animal welfare practices
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
You must wear enclosed footwear and work clothing that covers your body during the course and assessments.
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
A strong work ethic
A reasonable level of fitness to manage the physical demands of the role
The ability to work as part of a team
A willingness to travel and spend time away from home
A willingness to work in remote areas
Vaccination against Q fever and other zoonotic diseases
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: novice shearer, wool handler, wool presser, sheep 'penner-up' and sheep farmhand.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Statement of Attainment in Basic Sheep Shearing does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community
Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.