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Wool Classer

Wool classers sort wool into categories according to breed, age, colour, length and micron (fibre thickness), ensure contamination is removed from wool, and complete identification and documentation prior to sale.

 

Tasks & duties

Wool classers may do some or all of the following:

  • discuss requirements with the farmer before shearing starts
  • sort wool into groups to produce lines that have uniform colour, length, fault, and fibre diameter, and keep wool breeds separate
  • ensure wool is free from contamination (such as black fibres, twine, and other foreign objects)
  • ensure wool is sorted into the correct categories and placed in the correct bin (a cage for collecting similar wool types)
  • operate and maintain wool-weighing, sampling and wool-blending machinery
  • supervise the pressing and branding of wool bales
  • keep records of the wool bales pressed
  • be responsible for woolshed management

 

Skills & knowledge

Wool classers need to have:

  • knowledge of different wool grades and sheep breeds
  • knowledge of market requirements for wool and wool industry standards
  • knowledge of wool-handling and shed procedures
  • knowledge of how to operate wool presses and other machinery
  • wool-evaluation skills
  • good organisational and communication skills
  • good record-keeping and data entry skills

 

Entry requirements

To become a wool classer you need to be registered with the NZ Wool Classer Association.

A Certificate in Wool Technology is recommended because that virtually guarantees registration. The two-year certificate programme is taught by correspondence, with short block courses providing practical training.

A driver's licence is also useful.

 

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements for this job; however, Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA-equivalent is recommended.

 

Training on the job

Wool classers gain many skills on the job. They can also do courses through the Agriculture Industry Training Organisation and Tectra Ltd.

 

Registration

Wool classers need to be registered with the NZ Wool Classer Association, which ensures quality standards are being met. 

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for wool classers includes:

  • work in shearing sheds
  • work on a sheep farm
  • wool processing or wool handling

 

Related courses

Wool and Fibre Harvesting
Wool and Fibre Science

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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