TAFE NSW graduate Esther Werner is proof of the changing perceptions within the wool industry.
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After studying a Certificate IV in Wool Classing, Esther made the move from Bathurst to New England to work as a superfine wool handler for RP Layton Shearing Contractors at Bundarra.
"I always enjoyed helping my parents in the sheds when I was young and after studying a range of courses and working in hospitality, I decided to try shed work and I loved it," she said.
"I really wanted to learn more about wool and develop more skills in roustabouting with the option of working as a wool classer one day."
Esther said gaining her Certificate IV in Wool Classing helped her more than she thought it would.
"It has given me hands-on skills to be more confident with my work and really enjoy what I am doing," she said.
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"It really pays to put the effort in and study what you enjoy, to be whatever you want to be."
Australia is the world's largest wool producer, and in the $2.6 billion industry professional wool classers play a crucial part.
Bundarra's RP Layton Shearing Contractors owner Paul Layton said Esther was a great addition to his team.
"It's not an uncommon sight to see women working in shearing sheds, I've got seven employees, and six of them are women," he said.
"They possess a strong work ethic and can do attitude that is needed in the industry.
"Esther is using the skills she has learnt at TAFE everyday in her role, servicing wool sheds in the New England region, and I have no doubt she has a bright future ahead of her in the industry."
