British Wool and young farmers gearing up for the shearing season
Supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers and wool handlers is crucial to a thriving sheep sector and for ensuring the highest standards.
British Wool and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) have enjoyed a strong relationship and collaborated in many different areas over the years, including, for the third year in 2021, British Wool’s discounted sheep shearing training for YFC members.
As well as this offer, British Wool have launched an exclusive competition for one YFC member to win a place on the organisation’s new training and development programme.
British Wool’s newly launched programme will see the successful YFC members receive one year’s free access to British Wool training courses, including machine shearing, gear training and wool handling.
The successful entrants will also be invited to Bradford to visit British Wool’s head office and grading depot as well as learn more about the wool processing chain.
Anyone interested in winning one of the three places available on this exciting training and development programme, will need to be a registered YFC member, either with or without previous shearing experience.
To be entered into the competition, they will need to submit a short video or send an email explaining why they should be chosen for the opportunity.
Closing date for entries is March 31 and the competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts from the shearing sector and British Wool.
The competition is also supported by Lister Shearing who have provided a package of shearing equipment to the value of £500 for each country winner.
Competition winners will be expected to work with British Wool by sharing their training journey over 14 months on social media, the press and online.
More information on the competition rules and how to enter can be found at www.britishwool.org.uk/yfc-training
For the third year, British Wool are also continuing their training offer for young farmer members.
The beginner shearing course, which is one aspect of the offer available, enables YFC members to work towards a Blue Seal award.
The course will be over two days, covering all the essential aspects of achieving a successful shearing season, including health and safety, the use of shearing equipment and hands-on shearing practice to develop your technique.
This British Wool offer is open to YFC members who have not previously attended a British Wool shearing course.
The exclusive price YFC members will pay for this training offer is £96 (Inc. VAT) – the normal cost for this course would be £210.
Excellent fleece presentation starts at shearing but equally important is the work of the wool hander in ensuring the wool is presented correctly and to a high standard.
British Wool is therefore extending its training offer to YFC members to also participate in its wool handling course.
This one-day course will be delivered by a successful competitive wool handler at a discounted price for YFC members of only £60 (inc. VAT).
Richard Schofield, Shearing Manager, British Wool, said: “We are once again delighted to be working with Young Farmers’ Clubs in supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers. Covid-19 restrictions permitting, we look forward to welcoming young farmers onto our courses again this year and would encourage any interested YFC member to contact British Wool’s regional coordinator for their area before the respective closing date.”
Penny Montgomerie, chief executive, SAYFC, said “We are delighted to be working with British Wool to bring our membership the new training and development programme.
"The new programme will suit members with or without shearing experience and is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to enter the shearing industry.”
For more information or to register your interest please contact Richard Schofield on 01294 229000 or email: Richardschofield@britishwool.org.uk
