Interested in Training to be a Wool Classer? Register now!!

Created: 23 Oct 2009   Last update: 03 Nov 2009

Tectra Wool Industry Report 2008 - yours to download now

Created: 21 Jun 2007   Last update: 03 Nov 2009

Our Wool Industry Report covering 2008 is now available. Download the PDF here.

If you would like a hard copy, please contact Barbara at our office on 0800 496 657

The Value of Training - An interview with Shearing Contractor Dion Morrell

Created: 09 Nov 2009

Dion Morrell believes that you never stop learning and it needs to be a constant process throughout your career and your life.

Dion’s father was a shearing contractor and, like many, he started working in the sheds at a young age. At age 11 he was working part time pressing and wool handling.  By the time he was 16 years old it was his full time job.

Shearing competitions seemed a natural progression and he admits to being very competitive. Dion aimed to break records and win as many competitions as possible, and he did, but it all came down to putting in the training to achieve it.

“When you are competing you need to be at the top of your game physically and mentally,” he says.

Dion knew that training held the key to achieving his competitive shearing goals. He worked out at the gym to improve his strength, attended training courses, constantly worked on his technique and was disciplined about his approach.

Now as a shearing contractor Dion recognises that his staff reflect his business, and he is committed to putting a lot of effort into developing and maintaining his employees’ skill levels.

“Quality wool is what the market demands and to achieve this staff need the skills, technique and confidence in their abilities to do a good job.”

Dion has a pragmatic approach to employing staff and looks for those who have their tickets or have done shearing, wool handling or pressing courses through Tectra.

He will then regularly review his staff skill levels and set up training programmes for them. Dion uses a mix of in-shed training that he oversees himself but believes the best place to send them are on Tectra courses.

“Attending courses is absolutely necessary for people to develop their confidence and technique.  The only thing you need to worry about on a course is learning and it’s here you can learn from your mistakes,” he says.

Dion also applies the learning for life philosophy to himself.

He says, “You need to have your finger on the pulse because the moment you don’t it can affect your business.”

Dion regularly attends industry based meetings to keep up to date on trends, techniques and market demands.

His approach to business is that it is a privilege to shear for a farmer, not a right. Farmers demand and should get a quality job and that is only possible if your staff are the best they can be.

“Programmed training plays a big part as does keeping your finger on the pulse,” says Dion.

Training for Life - Interview with Motu Tua

Created: 31 Oct 2009   Last update: 31 Oct 2009

Motu encourages his staff to continue to develop themselves both professionally and personally. "Tectra training is designed to provide a learning environment, and the off-job courses are geared for this. Shearers and wool handlers can learn or brush up on their skills without the boss looking over their shoulder", he says.

Motu also believes in lifetime education and thinks, that in addition to industry specific skills, there is a need for alternative pathways for those who don't want to be in the sheds all their lives. "For some working in the industry it has a certain timeframe and generally we have people during the prime years of their lives, between 18- 30 years old," he says. "We know that our workers are disciplined, strong and hardworking. What we often don't think about is what can be done to provide them with other career options."

He freely admits that some may not agree with him but believes that the industry as a whole would benefit. "With other pathways available to the industry you can actually encourage more people in, and just as importantly provide options for older workers." "Our industry has lots of opportunities like travel, good money and good rewards and some will choose to remain it in all their lives. "Our challenge is to also encourage our workers to think about other learning opportunities such as developing computer skills, or learning trade skills. Everyone benefits this way, the employer, the employee and the community."