TAFE NSW Dubbo graduate, Cory Nordstrom, is proof that it’s never too late to be in a career you love after switching from the kitchen to the shearing shed.

With Australia being the world's largest producer of wooli, Cory is encouraging others to consider following the same career path by studying a Statement of Attainment in Wool Harvesting at TAFE NSW Dubbo.

Cory said, “I started my journey in the shearing sheds as a rouse-about and, as I watched my Dad and the shearers day-in day-out, an ambition evolved in me and I wanted to do just that.

“I’m also a qualified chef and thrive on the high intensity in both the kitchen and the sheds. I enjoy being around animals and when the opportunity arose to take part in the shearing course at TAFE NSW Dubbo, I grabbed it with both hands.

“Studying at TAFE NSW helped me learn practical skills and in particular, patterns and positioning of shearing including footwork around the sheep. These skills are vital in the industry and would need to become second-nature to succeed in the sheds.

“I’m now shearing 30-40 per run in merinos and 40-50 per run in cross-breads for my Dad. Without the expert knowledge of the industry qualified teachers at TAFE NSW, I would not be shearing at the rate or the quality that I am today.”

Cory’s Father, Scott Nordstrom, couldn’t be prouder of the direction Cory has taken with his career, following in his footsteps.

“I was so surprised when Cory chose to follow the same career path as me, I never thought it would happen. It has given me more of an incentive to keep shearing,” Scott Nordstrom said.

“I could of taught him, but he would not have the advanced skills he has today if he didn’t study at TAFE NSW.

“The industry is growing and changing rapidly, health and nutrition now plays a big role in the industry and shearing is now seen as a sport not just a job. Cory has a bright future ahead of him and I’m excited to see where it takes him.”

To find out more about shearing and wool classing and handling courses available at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515

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I Australian Wool Innovation. June 2019. Market Intelligence June 2019.