British Wool’s 2023 Training & Development Programme

British Wool have launched their exclusive competition for one YFC member from England, Scotland, and Wales to win a place on the organisation’s training and development programme in 2023.  Supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers and wool handlers is crucial to a thriving UK sheep sector and for ensuring the highest standards. 

British Wool’s programme will see the successful candidate receive one year’s free access to British Wool training courses, including machine shearing (2 courses), gear training and wool handling.  The successful entrants will also be invited to Bradford to visit British Wool’s Head Office to learn more about the wool processing chain. 

Anyone, either with or without previous shearing experience can apply to win one of the three places available on this exciting training and development programme. To be entered into the competition, you will need to submit a short video or send an email explaining why you should be chosen for this opportunity. Closing date for entries is 14th April 2023 and the competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts from the shearing sector and British Wool.  The competition is also supported by Lister Shearing who will provide a package of shearing equipment for each country winner.

Competition winners will be expected to work with British Wool by sharing their training journey over 14 months on social media, the press and online.  Please email [email protected] for more information on the competition rules and how to enter.

Richard Schofield, Shearing Manager, British Wool, said: “We are once again delighted to be supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers and look forward to welcoming young farmers onto our courses and in participating on our training & development programme again this year.”

Feedback from our previous winners has been incredibly positive.

Imogen Ogborne from Devon, the previous England winner said: “Do it! Not just for the courses and prize, but to get a deeper understanding of everything, from your gear to knowing how the wool is sold in auction. It feels like a community, and I now have lots of contacts to pursue this as a career.”

Elis Ifan Jones from Caernarfon, the previous Wales winner added: “I would recommend the program to any shearers from beginners to advanced - it is a real benefit. Shearing is a hard tough job, so it’s essential that you gain the skills to make it as easy as possible.”

Duncan McDiarmid from Perthshire, the previous Scotland winner concluded: “The shearing training and development program has given me the opportunity to not only improve my shearing skills and technique but also gain knowledge on wool processing, machine, and gear. This has allowed me to improve my shearing with the combination of both the shearing courses and learning about the processes of wool after it comes off the sheep.”