Wool is a versatile resource, valued for its natural, durable, flexible, fire-resistant and biodegradable properties. Shearers, wool handlers and wool classers are experts in skillfully removing wool fleece and ensuring it is classed by its quality and fibre characteristics. The skills and collaboration of these roles ensure the production of high-quality wool that meets industry standards and maintains Australia’s reputation as a high-quality producer of wool.
Click across the tabs to view active and completed project stages. Consultation takes place at every stage of the project.
It is important that the national qualifications that support shearers, handlers, and classers reflect current skill needs. The proper shearing, handling, sorting, and classification of wool contributes to its value and suitability for various products. Shearers, wool handlers, and classers require unique skills, such as the ability to work quickly and consistently while maintaining the quality of the wool. They must also remain current with animal behaviour and handling techniques and maintaining safe work practices.
Ongoing research continues to drive innovations for new uses and products out of the wool industry. Advancements in technology have brought about innovations in shearing handpieces, mechanical systems, infrastructure improvements and digitisation, particularly in the area of supply chain traceability These new technologies are also broadening the range of skills required by shearers, wool handlers and wool classers.
The future workplace must align with sector demands around compliance and technological processes and respond to the growing need for more information about the origin of products.
The shearing and wool project is being undertaken as part of a broader project to review the entirety of the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package.
Project Scope and Purpose
This project will review six qualifications and 34 units of competency that support the skills of Shearers, Wool Handlers and Wool Classers so that they reflect current work methods and skill needs. The review will focus on technological advances, work health and safety, animal behaviour and handling techniques within the sector.
This project will also address any duplication issues across units, by deleting or merging unused or non-current units that are not relevant to industry.
Qualifications and units of competency to be reviewed
Below is a list of the qualifications and units of competency that will be reviewed. We welcome any initial feedback you have which will help us in the review and development process, in particular, any feedback you have about:
Please note that some core units within the qualifications have been superseded by newer versions. These are outlined in the notes column. This project will work with stakeholders to determine which units are best placed in the core.
Timeline
Project Team
Andrew Horgan
Project Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Skills Insight
[email protected]
Anna Henderson
Industry Skills Standards Contractor
Opportunities for stakeholder input
Stakeholder input is appreciated throughout the duration of this project. The documents will be drafted in consultation with the Technical Committee and their networks. Opportunities to provide targeted feedback will occur when the draft materials are made available in May 2024 and again to review and check final drafts in August 2024. However, your feedback is welcomed at any time, and will help us in drafting the qualifications and units. The qualifications and units need to reflect real work experience. So, if you work in the sector, Skills Insight would appreciate your input.
A list of key stakeholder organisations has been created for this project, which Skills Insight will contact to seek involvement and views on the draft qualifications, skill sets and units. However, consultation is not limited to the organisations on this list. This list simply helps us to identify those organisations that, because of their industry role, size or specialty, are likely to have a key interest in the development and outcomes of this project. You can view the list in the Consultation Strategy. If you are aware of an organisation that you think should be involved, please contact the project team.
For updates and consultation opportunities, please subscribe to news and updates.
Alternatively, please feel free to contact the project manager, Penny McQueen on 03 9321 3526 or [email protected]
This project is part of the Annual Training Product Development Plan 2023-24.
National qualifications are being reviewed to align with the evolving skill needs of shearers, wool handlers, and wool classers to support the quality and maximise the value of wool and fibre for various products. It is important that current and emerging technology and compliance requirements are reflected in the national qualifications for this work, as well as the essential skills related to animal behaviour and handling and maintaining safe work practices.
The project Technical Committee is reviewing the qualifications and providing advice on the structure and requirements. While six qualifications and 34 units have been identified for review in this project, the Technical Committee has identified opportunities to develop a new wool harvesting skill set to support introduction to the shearing and wool sector. They have also identified the need to incorporate the skills associated for working with traceability and integrity schemes and to strengthen health and wellbeing in existing units of competency.
Development Outcomes and Next Steps
The draft qualifications, skill sets and units will be made available on this webpage for broad stakeholder consultation and feedback in May 2024.
Your input is welcome, please feel free to register your interest to keep informed of project updates and when draft materials are available for feedback.
Components identified for possible deletion
The Technical Committee is particularly interested in hearing feedback on a qualification and units identified for possible deletion, as they may no longer align with the current skill requirements of industry. Feedback on existing or potential use of the qualification and units is welcome.
If you would like to comment, please contact:
Register for a Consultation Workshop
In-person and online workshops are planned for May to coincide with the draft documents being made available for broad stakeholder feedback. These sessions will provide further information about the work underway and how you can have input on the updated draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency.
Register for a session that best suits you.
In-person Sessions
Online sessions
Consultation so far
Insights from the shearing shed
As part of our consultation activities, the project team visited a sheep farm in Ballan, Victoria, where they had the privilege to observe shearers, handlers, and wool classers seamlessly coordinating their tasks, from the shearing board to the wool table and finally to the wool press.
The team got to meet with industry stakeholders and experts to help inform what skills need to be incorporated in the revision of qualifications and units of competency. They also got to experience how unique a shearing shed operation is and were able to learn and answer some critical questions relating to the project.
“The good vibes of the music, the buzz of shearing machines, and the well-coordinated activities of the crew in the shed, along with the calmness of the sheep under the shearer’s expertise, have left a lasting impression.
We are incredibly grateful to Technical Committee member Glenn Haynes for organising the visit, the warm welcome from the farmer and the expertise shared from workers and guests.”
The qualifications, skill sets, and units of competency for shearers, wool handlers, and wool classers are undergoing a comprehensive review so that they meet current skills needs. It is important that they align with the evolving skill needs of these job roles to maximise the value of wool and fibre for various products.
A project Technical Committee and subject matter experts have been consulted to determine the content of the draft documents which are now available for broad consultation, to gather diverse perspectives and insights from stakeholders.
Your feedback is encouraged. The draft qualifications, skills sets and units of competency are available for feedback on this webpage from 3 May – 30 June 2024.
Key changes
Feedback received through consultation to date has raised the need for more ‘life skills’ to be incorporated in qualifications and units, such as budgeting and self-management skills to reflect skills required for the shearing work environment.
The Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation and the Certificate IV in Wool Classing have been revised to align with AWEX wool classer registration standards and support quality standards in the wool sector. All six qualifications have also been revised to improve flexibility in delivery.
Two new skills sets have been drafted to support an introduction to the shearing and wool industry and to provide pathways into the shearing and wool Certificate II qualifications.
One new unit has also been developed for skills related to maintaining one’s own health and wellbeing in the shearing and wool harvesting industry. Thirty units have been revised to remove duplication issues and more accurately reflect the skills and knowledge required for specific job tasks.
For a detailed list of changes, please see the Summary of Changes document.
Register for a Consultation Workshop
In-person and online workshops are planned for May to coincide with the draft documents being made available for broad stakeholder feedback. These sessions will provide further information about the work underway and how you can have input on the updated draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency.
Register for a session that best suits you.
In-person Sessions
Online sessions
How to provide feedback
You can submit your feedback online using our feedback hub, where you can post comments directly on the draft document as well as view any comments from others. Your comments will remain anonymous. Only Skills Insight internal staff and contractors working directly on the project can identify users. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. The feedback hub is also moderated to avoid misuse.
- Select the document.
- You will be asked to register or login (for a free account). Follow the prompts.
- Once logged in, you will be able to post feedback directly on the document.
Of course, there is always the option to email us your feedback if you prefer. There is a link at the bottom of the document group where you can download the Microsoft Word versions. Please email your feedback to Penny McQueen, [email protected]
View the documents and provide feedback
Click on the accordions below to view the qualifications, skill sets and units of competency and to provide feedback through our online feedback hub.
| Qualification | View draft |
|---|---|
| AHC2XX01 Certificate II in Shearing | View draft qualification |
| AHC2XX02 Certificate II in Wool Handling | View draft qualification |
| AHC3XX01 Certificate III in Shearing | View draft qualification |
| AHC3XX02 Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation | View draft qualification |
| AHC3XX03 Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling* | View draft qualification |
| AHC4XX01 Certificate IV in Wool Classing | View draft qualification |
*Note: this qualification was proposed for deletion in the early stages of the project due to early indications that it may no longer align with the current skill requirements of industry. However, subsequent feedback has revealed that the qualification is valued, particularly in WA. A revised qualification has been drafted for further feedback. We also encourage you to provide feedback through the survey to indicate your support for deleting the qualification or your recommendation to retain it.
Prefer to email your feedback?
Please contact Penny McQueen, [email protected]
Download the draft documents in Microsoft Word format
| Skill Set | View draft |
|---|---|
| AHCSSXXX01 Introductory Shearing Skill Set | View draft Skill Set |
| AHCSSXXX02 Introduction to the Shearing and Wool Harvesting Industry Skill Set | View draft Skill Set |
Prefer to email your feedback?
Please contact Penny McQueen, [email protected]
Download the draft documents in Microsoft Word format
This unit of competency has been drafted off the basis of a Victorian accredited unit. It is also proposed to be included as a core unit in the Certificate II in Shearing and Certificate II in Wool Handling.
| AHCSHG2X08 Apply self-management skills to maintain own health and wellbeing in the shearing and wool harvesting industry | View draft unit |
Prefer to email your feedback?
Please contact Penny McQueen, [email protected]
Download the draft documents in Microsoft Word format
Duplication issues across units have been addressed in some cases by merging units and making significant changes to elements and performance criteria so that these units accurately reflect the skills and knowledge required for the specific job task. Details around volume and frequency of tasks has been added to the performance evidence of several units. Foundation skills have been added to each unit.
For a detailed list of changes made in each draft unit, please see the Summary of Changes document.
| Units of competency | View draft |
|---|---|
| AHCSHG2X01 Crutch sheep | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG2X02 Assist in preparing for shearing and crutching | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG2X03 Shear sheep to novice level | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG2X04 Shear sheep to improver level | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG2X05 Grind combs and cutters for machine shearing | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG2X06 Prepare handpiece and downtube for machine shearing | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG2X07 Undertake basic shearing and crutching | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG3X01 Prepare livestock for shearing | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG3X02 Prepare combs and cutters for machine shearing | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG3X03 Maintain and service shearing handpieces | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG3X04 Shear sheep to professional level | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG3X05 Maintain consistent shearing performance | View draft unit |
| AHCSHG4X01 Coordinate shearing and wool harvesting teams | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL2X01 Pen sheep | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL2X02 Perform board duties | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL2X03 Carry out wool pressing | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL3X01 Appraise wool using industry descriptions | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL3X02 Prepare wool based on its characteristics for classing | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL3X03 Prepare skirtings and oddments | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL3X04 Supervise clip preparation | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL3X05 Prepare facilities for shearing and crutching | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL3X06 Press wool for a clip | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL4X01 Determine wool classing strategies | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL4X02 Use individual fleece measurements to prepare wool for sale | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL4X03 Plan, implement and review wool harvesting and clip preparation | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL4X04 Manage wool harvesting and preparation staff | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL4X05 Class fleece wool | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL4X06 Document a wool clip | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL4X07 Establish work routines | View draft unit |
| AHCWOL4X08 Perform shed duties | View draft unit |
Prefer to email your feedback?
Please contact Penny McQueen, [email protected]
Download the draft documents in Microsoft Word format
These units are identified for possible deletion, as they may no longer align with the current skill requirements of industry. We encourage you to provide your feedback through the online survey.
Prefer to email your feedback?
Please contact Penny McQueen, [email protected]
A draft copy for the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide which includes details of the proposed changes to qualifications, skill sets and units is also available for review and comment. It includes an update to the pathways chart to better reflect pathway options. Entry requirements have also been updated to reflect changes to the qualifications.
Prefer to email your feedback?
Please contact Penny McQueen, [email protected]
Download the draft document in Microsoft Word format
Summary of consultation to date
A project Technical Committee was established in February 2024 to guide the initial development of draft units, skill sets and qualifications. Several subject matter experts and education experts have also been consulted to help inform the draft skills standards. In March 2024, a site visit to a sheep farm in Ballan took place, where the project team got to meet with industry stakeholders and experts to help inform what skills need to be incorporated in the revised drafts.
This stage has not yet commenced.
At the validation stage, we check our work with stakeholders to confirm that solutions are in line with expectations.
This stage has not yet commenced.
At the finalisation stage, final checks are conducted and the outcomes of the project are submitted to the Department for consideration. Following this, outcomes are published or enacted.
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Project background
As the agriculture, horticulture, conservation and land management industry adapts to technological advancements, shifting markets, and environmental concerns, it is important that the AHC training package can be updated holistically and on a regular basis.
Given the many unique and interrelated skills across the industry, a strategic approach is being undertaken to identify and review units by their sector classification rather than their listing in qualifications.
This project supports the broader Unit Sector approach, looking at qualifications and skill sets that contain recently reviewed units and replacing them with the latest version as applicable.
Following a staged process, the Unit Sector approach allows us to:
2024 Projects as part of the Unit Sector Approach
There are two projects taking place in 2024, as part of this work. Each will be undertaken separately but run concurrently, allowing for a more targeted consultation while ensuring that the projects can simultaneously review and address any overlaps between them.
The Livestock Operations Project will also update LSK units that are core in the Shearing and Wool qualifications.
A project to analyse the how the AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations is being used is also underway concurrently with these projects.
Recent Projects as part of the Unit Sector Approach
2019 – 2020
Biosecurity, Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Rural Merchandising, Horticulture and Nursery
2020 – 2021
Landscaping, Parks and Gardens, Crops, Pastures and Seed, Dairy and Milk Harvesting
2021 – 2022
Permaculture, Composting, Organic Production, Pig and Poultry, Respect for Country, Ag & Horticulture Core Skills