HomeCoursesAgricultureCertificate III
Certificate III · national qualification
Certificate III in Shearing
This is the qualification that takes a shearer from novice standard to professional pace, the level where a working day means at least 120 adult merino sheep or 140 adult crossbred sheep.
- How long it takes
- 1 to 2 years
- typical for this level
- How you can study
- On the job
- Main job
- Shearer
- $64,500 (estimate) median pay, In demand
- Taught by
- 3 providers
- NSW, WA
Is this course right for you?
What the Certificate III in Shearing asks of you, and what you might want to check first.
It helps to have
- a steady hand with animals
- an interest in working outdoors
- good physical fitness and stamina
- a willingness to keep learning from the team
Before you start
Prior to commencing this qualification, individuals must have the skills and knowledge to: • catch and shear sheep to novice level • work independently and within a team in wool harvesting • make judgements on the selection of equipment, techniques and contingency measures relating to safe work practices and animal welfare principles • apply and communicate solutions to predictable situations in an animal care workplace. These skills and knowledge may have been acquired through completion of a Certificate II in Shearing or through industry shearing experience.
Where this course can take you
Jobs this qualification is a recognised route into, and the study that can follow it.
Jobs you can do with it
Shearer
Shearers remove the fleece from sheep with hand or machine shears, working through a mob at pace while keeping each animal still and free of nicks.
What else you need
Complete the qualification and its stated entry and workplace requirements; check employer-specific requirements. Entry requirements: Prior to commencing this qualification, individuals must have the skills and knowledge to: • catch and shear sheep to novice level • work independently and within a team in wool harvesting • make judgements on the selection of equipment, techniques and contingency measures relating to safe work practices and animal welfare principles • apply and communicate solutions to predictable situations in an animal care workplace. These skills and knowledge may have been acquired through completion of a Certificate II in Shearing or through industry shearing experience.
Median pay$64,500 (estimate)
In demand
If you study further
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, and “In demand” means the job is on the national shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure.
Where you can study this course
There are 3 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.
What students like
- Teachers are supportive and ready to help
- Staff are helpful and friendly
- Course content is practical and industry relevant
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Some find front desk staff less helpful
- Course page for South Regional TAFE (opens in a new tab)
South Regional TAFE
Narrogin, WA
5.0from 1 Google reviews
- How you study
- On the job
- Website for Australian Agricultural Training Pty Ltd (opens in a new tab)
Australian Agricultural Training Pty Ltd
NSW
What you’ll learn
8 units: 7 that everyone takes and 1 you choose.
- Shearing to professional pace
- Animal welfare standards
- Sharpening combs and cutters
- Servicing shearing handpieces
- Consistent shearing performance
- Shed health and safety
See all 7 core units
Core units
Everyone completes these. Select a unit to see what it covers.
Loading the details for AHCLSK368…
Loading the details for AHCLSK368…
Questions to ask before you enrol
Providers run this course differently, so the answers change from one to the next.
- When is the next intake, and how many are there each year?
- What is the total cost, including materials, checks and any placement costs?
- Can I study part time or online, and how does that change the length?
- Do the units count towards a higher qualification if I go on to study further?
Questions people ask
Who is this qualification for?
It prepares you for shearing at a professional pace, handling at least 120 adult merino sheep or 140 adult crossbred sheep per day. You will build speed and consistency while keeping fleeces clean and animals calm, and sharpen combs and cutters, service handpieces and work safely in a team. It leads to work as a professional level shearer.
Do I need experience or other qualifications first?
Yes. Before starting, you must be able to catch and shear sheep to novice level, work independently and in a team, make judgements about equipment, techniques and safety, and apply solutions in an animal care workplace. These skills may come from a Certificate II in Shearing or from industry shearing experience. Providers can also set their own conditions, so check with the one you choose.
Is a licence, registration or check required to work in this area?
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.