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Course code: 900-83128

Statement of Attainment in Novice Sheep Shearing

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Overview About this course

Begin your shearing journey or develop and refine your shearing at a novice level. Whether you're a new or returning student, this course will teach you safe shearing techniques, the importance of animal welfare, and how to maintain your equipment.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Shear 5 sheep unassisted per hour

  • Catch, move and release sheep in line with animal welfare standards

  • Grind combs and cutters for machine shearing

  • Perform shearing-board duties to sort wool and skirt and roll fleece

  • Use the accepted communications signals in the shed when shearing

  • Observe differences between mobs of sheep and avoid contamination and second cuts

Course outcomes

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

  • Practise shearing sheep to novice level

  • Knowledge of how to grind combs and cutters for machine shearing

  • Experience handling sheep in a safe and ethical manner and moving sheep into a shed to pen them up

  • Experience in shearing sheep and knowledge about animal welfare practices

  • Exposure to equipment maintenance and safe work practices

  • Techniques to make the job easier using more efficient movements to provide a high quality, fast shear

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

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.

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • That you are able to sheer 5 sheep unassisted per hour

Entry recommendations

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 and follow instructions

  • The ability to travel and spend time away from home

  • A willingness to work in remote areas

  • Vaccination against Q fever or 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.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: beginner shearer, novice shearer, wool handler, wool presser, sheep 'penner-up' and sheep farmhand.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Statement of Attainment in Novice Sheep Shearing does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Statement of Attainment in Novice Sheep Shearing does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

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.

Units Units taught in this course

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.

  • Shear sheep to novice level AHCSHG203

  • Grind combs and cutters for machine shearing AHCSHG205

  • Pen sheep AHCWOL201

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

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

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.