While there is a shortage of shearers and woolhandlers, an increase in promotion of those jobs as careers - and the success of shearing competitions - has attracted more people to the industry.
More than 300 shearers and woolhandlers were trained in South Australia in 2011-12.
"There is good demand for shearing schools and an interview process allows us to choose the most appropriate people," world champion shearer Shannon Warnest said.
"You not only have to be fit and strong, but you also have to have a passion for it."
TafeSA, the registered training organisation for shearing and woolhandling courses in South Australia, has implemented a program promoting the industry as a career option in schools with students from Burra, Balaklava, Clare and Cleve taking up the opportunity.
A student needs to be at least 16 years of age before they can enrol in a shearing school, but it is hoped that providing students with an insight to the industry when students are considering their career options will increase the number of students choosing shearing or wool handling as a career.
"Mining has knocked the industry with its offer of big money, but people need to look past that," Shannon said.
"What other industry can offer you the chance to travel in 35 different countries across the world?
"Also, with two to three months of training, you can be on your way and within 12 months be earning at least $1000-$1500 a week.
"Shearing is a skill that you will never forget. It teaches you a lot about life and how to work hard. It offers you the opportunity to travel, see what I would consider to be the best parts of the country and meet the real people."
TafeSA Shearing lecturer-coordinator Greg Pittaway said the organisation had about 40 per cent to 50pc retention rate within the industry.
"People often find it too physically demanding, the cost of travel too high and even the isolation is not for everyone," he said.
"We continue, however, to have really good demand for our courses, with an increased interest from females entering the industry."
In 2011-12 financial year, Australian Wool Innovation invested $1.1 million in education and training, and it works with nine registered training organisations across the nation to leverage the government funds that it receives in this area.
tafeSA offers all levels of certificate courses in shearing, and improver schools throughout the State.
Improver school courses are conducted in a fully working shed and participants are paid while they train.
tafeSA also offers all certificate levels in woolhandling.
Participants with a level 4 qualification also qualify for a full woolclasser licence.
Limited places are available for the next Shearing Advanced Course, to be held at Keith at the property of Michael Allen, Warrawee Park.
This course is most suitable for people who are already in the industry, shearing 160 plus a day.
It is designed to improve their shearing method and increase shearing speed to 200/day.
Source: farmonline.com.au
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