A SOUTH-WEST project is being used across the state to help teach the next generation of shearers.

Training and skills minister, Gayle Tierney visited Cavendish’s Eulong Farm on Wednesday to launch the Shearing Training App, which was developed through a collaboration between South West TAFE, RIST and the Shearing Contractors Association Australia.

The project was part of a $1.2 million package announced by the State Government in July to address the skill shortage in the state’s wool sector.

“We know the wool industry is incredibly important for the Victorian economy – it’s worth $2.1 billion,” Ms Tierney said.

“We want to make sure we’ve got the skills and people available to support such an important industry.

“That’s what we’re doing – we’re doing it through training, through accredited courses, through teacher training and now through an app that can be used in the industry.

“We want to do what we can to encourage people to seriously think about becoming a shearer – it’s a great job, it’s an iconic job and it’s also a very important job.

“It’s also a stepping stone into a career in agriculture and we absolutely need more people in ag.”

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