This unit applies to shearing of sheep to professional level and is performed independently while working as part of a shearing team.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Recognise and correct faults in shearing technique

1.1. Analyse shearing technique.

1.2. Recognise and correct faults in sheep position, footwork and free hand use.

1.3. Recognise and correct faults in the number of blows and their placement.

1.4. Improve co-ordination of footwork, free hand use, sheep control and blow placement.

2. Apply techniques to increase shearing speed and accuracy

2.1. Increase speed at which the handpiece is pushed forward and returned between blow placements.

2.2. Improve the power, direction and manoeuvrability applied at the increased speed.

2.3. Improve rhythm at the increased speed.

2.4. Maintain calm temperament for 8-hour working day.

2.5. Recognise the importance of stamina and fitness in improvement of output consistency.

3. Shear required number of sheep in an eight hour day working day to quality standard of the industry for both sheep and wool

3.1. Demonstrate safety procedures during shearing in relation to people and sheep.

3.2. Avoid excessive wool contamination and damage to the wool.

3.3. Shear 120 adult merino sheep or equivalent using identified method and positions in line with industry standards in a normal eight-hour working day.

3.4. Use correct movement of feet and hands, and maintain correct positioning to the downtube.

3.5. Release sheep at increased speed in line with industry and enterprise requirements.

3.6. Comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), animal welfare and industry and enterprise quality requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work procedures

select use and maintain shearing equipment

avoid contamination, second cuts and damage to animals

shear sufficient sheep within eight hours to match skill level of a professional shearer

analyse and improve on improver shearer level

shear with co-ordination and rhythm

stitch wounds

catch and release sheep safely

demonstrate safe and responsible workplace practices

provide due care and handle sheep humanely

clean and maintain shearing equipment, and sharpen combs and cutters

work in a team as a team member

review quality of own work

tally shorn sheep count

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

types of shearing sheds, boards and catching pens

service and maintenance of handpieces

industry agreed shearing techniques and positions and method of shearing

grinding procedures

safe handling techniques for catching, dragging, shearing and releasing sheep

animal welfare requirements in relation to sheep

sheep behaviour

shearing clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used

Federal Pastoral Industry Award and/or State Shearing Award of Queensland or Western Australian Shearing Contractors Award

relevant State/Territory legislation and awards, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS and animal welfare.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

select, use and maintain shearing equipment

avoid contamination, second cuts and damage to wool and sheep

recognise problem and diseased sheep and apply treatments accordingly

shear sufficient sheep within eight hours to match skill level of a professional shearer

analyse and build skills from improver shearer level.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Breeds of sheep may include:

all ages and genders including:

rams

ewes

wethers

lambs

hoggets

stags.

Unit sector

Shearing

This unit contains employability skills.