Mike Pratt

THE first Certificate IV wool classing course to be held in Queensland for more than 10 years will go ahead in Blackall next month.

Australian Wool Exchange wool classer registrar Fiona Raleigh said wool classer training had declined with the loss of the Longreach Pastoral College and it hoped that the Blackall course on 4 September will help fill the recognized skill shortage in the state.

She said there has been no one delivering wool classer training in Queensland.

“That’s why NSW TAFE have stepped in to extend their delivery into Queensland to meet that need.”

Former AgForce Sheep and Wool Board chair Mike Pratt said he has been trying for two years to make the course a reality and said getting the NSW and Queensland governments to work together has been a battle.

He said the course had 16 people signed up and another four people were needed to complete the course capacity.

Mr Pratt said shearer and wool handler training is working well in the state.

“But the one that has been missing out is wool classing.”

He said there had been a shortage of wool classers in the state, but this has changed with changes in the state flock and the depressed wool market.

“But a lot of people have still got confidence in wool bouncing back at some stage.

“As more and more people go out of Merinos into meat sheep or goats that decreases (wool) supply which should increase demand.”

Mr Pratt said the course participants included industry people wanting to add wool classing to their wool harvesting skillset.

“Half of them are already employed in the wool harvesting industry and the other half are a mix of wool growers and agents.”

Expressions of interest are still open for residents in Queensland and NSW to undertake the training at Blackall. Queensland residents may be eligible for subsidised training under the ‘Certificate 3 Guarantee, Higher Level Skills Program’.

A course flyer said the TAFE NSW course equips participants with the essential skills in wool handling and wool clip preparation, positioning them within a prestigious and profitable industry.

Course outcomes include:

• Industry-Relevant Skills: Prepare and class wool samples sourced directly from the industry.
• Modern Documentation: Document classed wool clips using advanced online systems like Wool Clip.
• Professional Recognition: Become eligible to apply for registration as a professional wool classer with AWEX.

Why choose the TAFE NSW Cert IV in wool classing course?

• Nationally recognised training
• Hands-On Training: Gain practical, real-time experience at our on-site training facilities located in Blackall Queensland.
• Flexible Learning: Attend virtual classrooms and network with other learners to gain insights to how others work in the industry.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Our unique delivery method combines the best of both worlds, ensuring you receive a well-rounded education in wool classing.

Graduates can pursue careers in roles such as registered wool classer, wool brokers, wool area managers, stock agents, wool store staff, and farm or station management.

There are 14 units of competency to complete the Certificate IV in wool classing qualification. Course units are:

• AHCWOL404 | Establish work routines and manage wool harvesting and preparation staff
• AHCWOL405 | Class fleece wool
• AHCWOL403 | Plan, implement and review wool harvesting and clip preparation
• AHCWOL401 | Determine wool classing strategies
• AHCWRK401 | Implement and monitor quality assurance procedures
• AHCWOL307 |Document a wool clip
• AHCWHS401 | Maintain work health and safety processes
• AHCWOL301 | Appraise wool using industry descriptions
• AHCWOL311 | Perform shed duties
• AHCWOL310 | Press wool for a clip
• AHCWOL303 | Prepare wool based on its characteristics
• AHCWOL304 | Prepare fleece wool for classing
• AHCWOL305 | Prepare skirtings and oddments
• HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid

The in-person training in Blackall dates are September 4-7, December 4-7, March 12-15, 2026, June 11-14 and August 27-30.

Complete your Expression of Interest Form here. EOI closes August 22.