Trainers review their training methods

Willie Power gets his equipment in shape

The regional training coordinators (RTCs) recently spent three days at Lochindorb station, near Balclutha, sharing ideas and shearing lambs.

Wool Harvesting Training Manager, Gavin Rowland, says delivering quality training is a priority for the training team.  He firmly believes that the best way to achieve this is by annually reviewing what you are doing, putting it under the microscope, discussing it with your peers and agreeing on the way forward.   
 
"As our team is regionally based bringing everyone together allows us to compare notes on what is going on in each region, and also look at what and how we are delivering our training."

Gavin said another key focus for the team was planning the next year's courses in shearing, wool handling and pressing. Another recent addition to the training schedule has been the introduction of crutching courses specifically tailored for new entrants and small block holders.

The training review also encompassed practical components. The group shore 2000 lambs and crutched another 3000. During the shearing they reviewed the way they were teaching the shearing pattern and made adjustments accordingly.

Willie Power, the Hawkes Bay, Gisborne and East Coast RTC, has been working on developing a new grinding guide aimed at allowing shearers to easily ascertain the correct grinding height when grinding their equipment. This new system was discussed by the group and agreed that the system looks to have future potential which will be pursued.

Gavin believes that the team has now set its benchmarks for the year and is looking forward to getting on with the job.
 
Russell Knight in action