AWI trainer Paul 'The Pope' Hicks from WA in one of the new videos showing how to set up a grinder using the AWI template.
When face to face in-shed training suspended earlier this year due to government social distancing directives, AWI launched a series of online training videos to promote best practice shearing and wool handling techniques.
An important part of AWI's Wool Harvesting & Quality Preparation program is the funding of hands-on practical training for shearers and wool handlers in the shed, aimed particularly at increasing their productivity, skills development and professionalism. In the 2018/19 financial year, more than 1,500 days training (with more than 5,600 attendances by shearers and wool handlers) were delivered through AWI-funded programs across Australia.
However, face to face in-shed training had to be temporarily suspended earlier this year due to government social distancing guidelines.
In the meantime, AWI shifted its approach online. In collaboration with Shearing Contractors' Association of Australia (SCAA) Shearer Woolhandler Training Inc (SWTI), AWI's shearer and wool handler trainers have created and rolled out a series of videos packed with tips, hints and practical advice on a range of topics, from to setting up a grinder to performing at your best in competitions.
The trainers include the likes of five-time national shearing champion Daniel McIntyre and national wool handling champions Mel Morris and Racheal Hutchison.
"These new videos are a great way of reaching people in the industry who we couldn't train face to face due to the coronavirus restrictions," said AWI Program Manager for Wool Harvesting Training and Development, Craig French.
"But the videos are suitable for anyone who works in shearing sheds who would like to brush up their own skills. The aim of these videos is to promote better techniques and improve clip preparation practices in the industry, and good training is essential for both new and experienced workers."
Launched on SWTI's Facebook channel, the videos have been very well received by novice to professional shearers and wool handlers alike. The videos are also available via the AWI website and can be viewed at any time in any location. When viewing, you can pause and go back to a previous section in the video if you want to recap a particular point.
This new series of videos complements AWI's other shearer and wool handler training videos that are available on the AWI website or on request via a USB.
