Wool Industry Careers and Opportunities

Careers

Have a look at the wide range of careers that our wool students have found in the sheep and wool industry.

Testimonials from past wool students

A Sheep CRC survey estimated that 4,000 degree graduates are needed in the Australian livestock industry within the next 5 years. The survey was conducted by an independent, international survey company, TNS, on behalf of the Sheep CRC, across 100 organisations in the Australian livestock industry with a focus on the sheep and wool industry. The survey found UNE has the most identifiable degree programs suitable for these potential employers.

Graduates from UNE courses can expect employment in advisory, regulatory and research positions in all agricultural fields in both the private and public sectors, particularly in breeding, management and consultancy for the livestock industries and agribusiness. Potential careers range from extensive rangeland production to high input grazing and feedlotting.

Opportunities for Students

Students have a variety of opportunities to broaden their experiences in the sheep and wool industry while completing their study at UNE.

National Merino Challenge

The National Merino Challenge (NMC) is a two day, national breeding competition which aims to improve the engagement of young people with the Merino industry by developing their knowledge, skills and networks.

2015 National Merino Challenge UNE team 2015 NMC UNE Team

NMC 2014 2014 NMC UNE Team

NMC 2013 2013 NMC Winning UNE Team

The inaugural NMC was held in Dubbo, NSW in August 2013, with UNE putting together the winning team. Nicola Turner, an AWET scholarship holder, took out the individual tertiary champion. The second NMC was held in Melbourne, in May 2014.UNE student Ben Noble was a top performer in the breeding section.

Visit the NMC website for more information.

Research

Each year, the Australian Wool Education Trust offers a number of undergraduate honours scholarships to students undertaking research projects in the area of sheep and wool.  These scholarships are valued at $6000 and support the student and the operating costs of the project.

Applications for these scholarships should be made directly to AWET with application forms and further information available here.

Further Opportunities

Peter Westblade Scholarship

The Peter Westblade Scholarship exists to promote the practical skills associated with the sheep and wool industry, and aims to deliver hands on experience, practical skills training, mentoring, and establishing industry networks to young people aspiring to a career in this dynamic industry.

For more information on this scholarship, and how to apply, go to the scholarship web site.