Jobs that pay and give you choices!

Shearers
Shearers cut the wool from sheep with a handpiece, or in some cases with blade shears. They generally work in teams, or gangs, led by a shearing contractor.

Wool handlers
Wool handlers pick up and sort the wool into different grades. They are also known as shed hands.

Pressers
Pressers pack the wool into bales ready for freighting; this involves operating a mechanical press.

Classers
Classers sort wool into particular classes, based on breed, age, colour, length and micron (diameter).

Buyers
Buyers are employed by wool merchants and processors. They collect, assess and value wool sold by farmers. There is a wide range of jobs in this area, from country buying to working as a valuer for a wool exporting company.

Why are the jobs there if the money’s so good?

The New Zealand wool industry always needs fresh blood. The pull of overseas work takes some away, and others leave the industry to run their own farms and businesses. It’s a young person’s game: hard work for good money.

For more info:

You can find out more about these jobs on: www.kiwicareers.govt.nz

To get more information about a course for your school or group:

Call our freephone on 0800 4 Meat & Wool Innovations (0800 496 657) or
Email us at training@mwi.co.nz

Please include the following information so we can help you:

• Name of a contact teacher
• School name
• Location
• Postal address
• Phone number
• Fax number