Tectra training helps solve national recruitment crisis
Thursday, 14 April 2005
Tectra courses have been praised as a key to attracting young shearers into an industry where numbers are declining.
The average kiwi shearer is now over forty which means there is a serious recruitment problem in the wool harvesting industry. This shearer shortage means shearing can be delayed for up to several months for some farmers. Similarly, there is also a shortage of wool handlers and pressers.
Tectra is playing a key role in combating this problem, through courses to attract young people into the industry.
This initiative needs the support of employers and shearing contractors to be successful in encouraging young men and women to get involved. Tectra's Central South Island Regional Training Coordinator, Ken Fergusson, commends contractors who allow young shearers to take time off work to train.
Tectra's Central South Island Regional Training Coordinator, Ken Fergusson.
"Employers who take this initiative will not only encourage new shearers into the industry but will also reap the benefits of the superior skills they will gain from a Tectra course. Having shearers reach their full potential is in everyone's best interests."
According to Ken, changes in conditions such as larger sheep, require a professional approach to shearing which will be enhanced by proper training.
"Technique is all important to deal with the large sheep which are now being produced. Coming on the courses will sharpen technique and help develop a professional approach to shearing with less cuts and a calmer atmosphere in the shed."
One contractor who can vouch for the success of these courses is Bruce Rogers, who sent twelve of his young shearers and wool handlers to the last intensive four day Tectra course.
"Farmers and contractors have to accept young shearers will need development and if they aren't kept in the industry in ten years there just won't be any shearers".
In addition to the shearing, wool handling and pressing courses, Tectra is also running school holiday courses targeted at giving students a taste of what it is like to work in the industry with some practical training which can eventually lead to full or part time work.
A further benefit of Tectra courses is that they are NZQA approved which means trainees will gain a qualification which will be recognised overseas. New Zealand shearers have been known to shear anywhere from Egypt and Iraq to the United States and Canada, and earn top dollar doing it. A Tectra course could be the first step in this exciting direction.
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