Sheep shearing is a demanding and technical vocation that is an essential part of this region. This week, 8 lads from the area are getting a taste of it as part of a week-long Australian Wool Innovations (AWI) Novice School. Organised by local shearing contractor, Doug Baker, the school is being held at the Nimby West Woolshed. “Four of the fellas have a little experience, and the other four have absolutely none,” said Doug. The students include six high schoolers and two men who have already left school. The students are being shown the basic elements of shearing by AWI shearer trainers Ian Elkins and Shaun Wilson, who is also a wool classer. It is the first shearing school that Doug has organised, but he has hopes of making it an annual event. “The shearing trade is an expensive one to get into,” said Doug. “It costs about $740 for a hand piece and $40 for combs.” In addition, many young shearers need to have their own ancillary equipment to maintain their gear. To help with the costs of running the school, the Harden District Education Foundation (HDEF) gave an $800 donation, paying for meals, combs and cutters. “I’d like to thank the Education Foundation for their assistance, as well as the Phil Alcorn and the Alcorn family for the use of their woolshed,” said Doug. “Thanks also go to the Sargent family for donating their sheep, to Shaun Wilson and Ian Elkins for their time, and to Boorowa Wool Harvesters for providing the hand pieces.”