Meet Our Shearing Admin Instructors

We're thrilled to announce that our British Wool 2025 shearing courses went live on 3rd February 2025, and we can't wait for you to secure your spot!

Our admin instructors liaise with farmers to secure new venues, coordinate with shearing instructors in their area, and feed information back to the shearing team at head office, ensuring courses run smoothly and effectively.
We met with them to learn more about their background and the shearing process.

Andy Barratt – Southern England

“I am an agricultural fencing contractor and shearer. I began my career in the year 2000, which is now a quarter of a century ago! I take great pleasure in witnessing the progress of my trainees as they advance through the levels and achieve their goals, regardless of what they may be. Some trainees even go on to represent their country and set records! It is incredibly rewarding to know that I have played a part in their success.

I encourage everyone to attend as many shearing courses as possible and to focus on mastering the basics, particularly footwork. When the sheep is positioned correctly, the shearing action will follow naturally, and speed will develop with perseverance.

British Wool’s shearing and wool handling courses are an excellent way to learn vital skills and can open numerous opportunities within the industry. With the new advanced seals now recognised by Highfield, these qualifications are acknowledged across various sectors globally.

Competitions provide an excellent platform to showcase quality shearing, while records serve to raise public awareness, highlighting the skills of shearers and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in shearing and wool handling.”

Hywel Wigley Jones - Wales

“I own a hill farm in North Wales, specialising solely in sheep. I began shearing at the age of 14, working alongside a local contractor and instructor for several years before establishing my own operation. I also spent a few seasons shearing in New Zealand, which provided me with invaluable experience.

I have been involved in shearing training for over 25 years, and it is immensely satisfying to witness trainees develop their shearing skills over the two-day course. Through this training, I have had the pleasure of meeting many people.

If you wish to learn how to shear, I recommend enrolling in a British Wool shearing course and attempting to secure a position with a local contractor. Shear, shear, and shear some more, and then consider joining another British Wool shearing course, where instructors will assist you in advancing your shearing abilities.

Wool handling courses are also crucial and are becoming increasingly popular. All these initiatives contribute to ensuring that our shearers and wool handlers are well-prepared when competing on a global scale.”

Kieran Mc Cullough – Northern Scotland

“I live and work on a mixed sheep and beef farm on the west coast of Scotland. I shear sheep for local farmers in my area. For the past seven years, I have been involved in British Wool shearing training.

I take great pleasure in meeting trainees, both old and new, and watching them develop their skills. For those keen to learn, I advise them to attend courses and then put their knowledge into practice.

The courses offered by British Woll are the cornerstone of the industry in which we aspire to be involved. Our shearers and wool handlers are a testament to their own abilities and to what we can produce in the Northern Hemisphere.”

British Wool’s courses are also available at £220 plus VAT.

We offer any members of the YFC a discounted price of £110 plus VAT exclusively to anyone who register before the 31st of March 2025. 

Book a shearing course: Book online | Sheep shearing training | British Wool

For more on YFC offer: YFC Offer | British Wool