Run by Ian Elkings at Elkins Alpaca Shearing, the program is geared towards beginners and is conducted on behalf of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).

It is the second time it has run at the site, after the first one ran in 2017.

The program also incorporates a wool-handling component.

Mr Elkins said the students, about 20, have been very receptive to the opportunity.

“They’ve realised that the more training they get, the better they’ll get and the less likely they’ll injure themselves,” he said.

Mr Elkins said the program was made possible by AWI “who had always supported and pushed funds into training”.

“They realise that having good wool prices can come from only having good shearers,” he said.

As for the shortage, Mr Elkins said there was always work in the industry.

“The industry is always there, there’s nothing in the foreseeable future that will replace a good shearer.”

While the class at Cavan Station will run for only a week, Mr Elkins said there were other opportunities.

“AWI also assist us to give more training to these students for when they leave

The program has become an annual event and the 2019 class should be held at around the same time as this year’s.

Mr Elkins said the key to being an efficient and good shearer is having “good footwork, good temperament,

“As well as good hand-eye coordination,” he said.