Ulster Wool launches 2023 Training & Development Programme

Ulster Wool have launched their exclusive competition for one YFC member from Northern Ireland to win a place on the organisation’s training and development programme in 2023.  Supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers and wool handlers is crucial to a thriving UK sheep sector and for ensuring the highest standards. 

Ulster Wool’s programme will see the successful candidate receive one year’s free access to Ulster Wool training courses, including machine shearing (2 courses), gear training and wool handling.  The successful entrants will also be invited to Bradford to visit Ulster and British Wool’s Head Office to learn more about the wool processing chain. 

Anyone, either with or without previous shearing experience can apply to win one of the three places available on this exciting training and development programme. To be entered into the competition, you will need to submit a short video or send an email explaining why you should be chosen for this opportunity. Closing date for entries is 14th April 2023 and the competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts from the shearing sector and Ulster Wool.  The competition is also supported by Lister Shearing who will provide a package of shearing equipment for the winner.

The competition winner will be expected to work with Ulster Wool by sharing their training journey over 14 months on social media, the press and online.  Please email [email protected] for more information on the competition rules and how to enter.

Richard Schofield, Shearing Manager, Ulster Wool, said:

“We are once again delighted to be supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers and look forward to welcoming a young farmer onto our courses and in participating on our training & development programme again this year.”

Feedback from our previous winner Mathew Hall was incredibly positive.

Matthew told us

“The T&D programme was something I was very appreciative of, I can't recommend it enough as I'm now at the stage of being able to clip my own sheep in my own time with less stress for the ewes and me.  Having the courses over the 2 years was good as it kept me on track - I could really tell how much I'd improved in that time. Learning about what happens to the wool at the depot was interesting, I had no idea there was so many different grades and that every single fleece was individually inspected.”

“I'd like to thank Ulster Wool for this opportunity and extend my thanks to Lister Shearing for sponsoring the programme. The gear is giving me a better cut and has helped to improve my technique too. If you’re thinking of applying for the 2023 programme just do it.”