11 June 2024

TAFE NSW Hay wool classing students got a hands-on lesson in the lifecycle of wool – from farmgate to fashion rack – during a whirlwind two-day excursion last week.

Leveraging the industry connections of TAFE NSW Hay wool teacher and former national wool handling champion Kayla Garner, the Certificate IV in Wool Classing students visited a host of facilities in Melbourne, including wool processing plants, showroom floors and export facilities.

It comes as TAFE NSW wool classing enrolments boom statewide, with the wool industry confronting an ongoing skills shortage.

Among the locations visited during last week’s study tour were the AWTA Material Testing Laboratory, the Fox and Lillie showroom floor, processing facility and marketing headquarters, one of the nation’s largest woollen mills, and a major wool storage warehouse.

TAFE NSW Hay wool classing student Isabel Virgona said the excursion gave her a front row seat to the various stages of the wool lifecycle and a deeper understanding of the industry.

Ms Virgona, 28, is a working town planner but moved to a sheep station south of Hay 18 months ago with her partner.    

“Wool is an incredible fibre; I’ve always been interested in wool, particularly the trading, export and processing side,” Ms Virgona said.

“The excursion was fantastic in giving us insight into the lifecycle of the wool we produce in this region.

“I am really enjoying the course, it is a great opportunity to learn more about the shed and contribute to the ongoing sustainability of the industry”         

“We are so lucky to have Kayla, our teacher who harnesses the experience and knowledge of the industry into a hands on course.”                             

TAFE NSW Hay wool teacher Ms Garner said the excursion was a powerful way to give students a glimpse of different facets of the wool industry.

“It’s important students get a real understanding of the full industry pipeline, from the shearing shed to seeing someone walking down the street wearing the garment,” Ms Garner said.

“The trip really enhanced the students’ knowledge and their passion for the industry. It’s great we have the employer and industry connections to make this happen.”

Ms Garner said a new group of TAFE NSW Hay students would take part in the same study tour in two months.

Certificate IV in Wool Classing students are able to gain their stencil and work in the industry immediately after graduating, she said.

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, Daniel.johns9@tafensw.edu.au, 0477 722 428