Wool Classer

OFO No: 684304

What is a Wool Classer?

Wool Classers work in shearing sheds and wool handling centres. They mostly work indoors and stand for long periods.

A Wool Classer may act as the shearing overseer depending on the number of shearing stands in operation. This involves account keeping, administration of the shearing team and the maintenance of mechanical shearing equipment.

Wool Classers may specialise as wool valuers who assess the value of wool on the behalf of wool buyers, brokers and domestic and overseas woollen mills.

Wool Classers may need to travel long distances from property to property to work during the shearing season.

What does a Wool Classer do?

• classifies wool according to various characteristics (i.e. length, colour, evenness, burr content, strength and quality)
• makes sure that the wool is prepared to industry agreed standards
• advises on the wool and its preparation for sale
• advises on sheep classing and selection
• instructs and supervises workers involved in wool handling
• instructs wool pressers and supervises the pressing
• weighs and brands bales of wool
• maintains and supervises records of wool characteristics
• analyses and advises on laboratory test results
• liaises with wool brokers and advisory institutions
• implements quality management systems
• prepares documents that describe wool qualities

Are you … ?

• interested in sheep farming?
• good with animals?
• observant?
• willing to keep records?
• patient?
• interested in quality control?

How do I become a Wool Classer?

‘Wool must be classed according to the NWGA/Cape Wools Classing standards. NWGA accredited wool classers should preferably be used. Only nylon packs are permitted for the packing of wool. Only paper may be used to partition wool – should there be a need to make a split bale.’ – National Wool Growers Association

• AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES
  

Wool-classing courses are periodically offered at all agricultural colleges or on farms if requested

• GROOTFONTEIN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

PATH 1

• In-service training

PATH 2

National Certificate in Wool and Mohair Handling 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

NATIONAL WOOL GROWERS ASSOCIATION

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Grain Grader … or … Farm Worker

Is becoming a Wool Classer the right career choice for me?