BRITISH WOOL has launched an exclusive competition for one YFC member each from Scotland, England, and Wales to win a place on the organisation’s new training and development programme.

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs has enjoyed a strong relationship with British Wool over the years, collaborating in many different areas, including a discounted sheep shearing training for YFC members.

However, the new competition goes a step further by offering an entirely free year’s access to British Wool training courses, including machine shearing, gear training and wool handling. The three successful entrants will also be invited to Bradford to visit British Wool’s head office and grading depot as well as learn more about the wool processing chain.

Anyone interested in winning one of these three places will need to be a registered YFC member, but can be either with or without previous shearing experience. To enter, they will need to submit a short video or send an email explaining why they should be chosen for the opportunity. Closing date for entries is March 31, 2021, whereafter the competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts. The competition is also supported by Lister Shearing who have provided a package of shearing equipment to the value of £500 for each country's winner.

Competition winners will be expected to work with British Wool by sharing their training journey over 14 months on social media, the press and online. More information on the competition rules and how to enter can be found at www.britishwool.org.uk/yfc-training

For the third year, British Wool are also continuing their discounted training offer for YFs. The two-day beginner shearing course enables participants to work towards a Blue Seal award, covering all the essential aspects of achieving a successful shearing season, including health and safety, the use of shearing equipment and hands-on shearing practice to develop technique.

This offer is open to YFs who have not previously attended a British Wool shearing course, at a price of £96 (Inc. VAT) – the normal cost for this course would be £210.

British Wool is also extending its training offer to YF members to participate in its one-day wool handling course, delivered by a successful competitive wool handler at a discounted price for members of only £60 (inc. VAT).

Shearing manager Richard Schofield said: “We are once again delighted to be working with Young Farmers’ Clubs in supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers. Covid-19 restrictions permitting, we look forward to welcoming young farmers onto our courses again this year and would encourage any interested YFC member to contact British Wool’s regional coordinator for their area before the respective closing date.”

SAYFC chief executive Penny Montgomerie said: “We are delighted to be working with British Wool to bring our membership the new training and development programme. The new programme will suit members with or without shearing experience and is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to enter the shearing industry.”