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Wool Classer

Also known as Wool Appraiser.

Wool classers sort, classify and grade wool into various commercial lines so that it can be sold at the best market price.

They also manage and supervise wool-handling teams.

Wool classers work in shearing sheds and wool handling centres.

They mostly work indoors and stand for long periods.

Wool classers often act as team leaders, and are responsible for the organisation and direction of staff.

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

TASKS

Wool classers may perform the following tasks:

classify and prepare wool according to various characteristics (including length, colour, evenness, vegetable matter content, wool type and strength)
ensure wool is prepared to industry agreed standards
advise on sheep classing and selection
instruct and supervise shed staff involved in wool handling
instruct wool pressers and supervise the pressing, weighing and branding of bales of wool
maintain and supervise records documenting the commercial lines and characteristics of wool
refer to laboratory test results of mobs or lines of wool
liaise with woolbrokers, contractors, consultants and wool growers
implement and document quality management systems
prepare pre-sale documents that describe wool qualities

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to cope with the physical demands of the job
good with hands
normal eyesight (may be corrected)
good communication skills
willing to travel
able to work as part of a team

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Wool Valuer - assesses the value of wool on behalf of wool buyers, brokers and domestic and overseas woollen mills.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a wool classer you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in wool classing. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a wool classer through a traineeship in Wool Classing.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Wool Exchange to hold an Australian Wool Classers Stencil (allowing the identification of wool for sale and export).

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Wool classers are employed by stock and station agents, shearing contractors, woollen mills, growers, stores and brokers and private wool merchants. Wool classing is a seasonal occupation, with most classers being employed during the shearing season. They may also become self-employed. Wool classers should be prepared to move around the country to find work. They will need to be registered with the Australian Wool Exchange.