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Useful experience for wool classers includes any work with a shearing gang, such as woolhandling or pressing.

Wool classers may do some or all of the following:

• sort wool into groups that have uniform colour, length, fault, and fibre diameter, and keep wool breeds separate
• ensure wool is free from contamination
• operate and maintain sampling, wool-weighing and wool-blending machinery
• supervise the pressing and branding of wool bales
• keep records of wool bales pressed
• be responsible for woolshed management.

Opportunities for wool classers small

Chances of getting a job as a wool classer are average because the occupation is small and people usually stay in the job for a long time.

According to the Census, 138 wool classers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Getting a qualification can increase your chances

To work on fine wool sheep farms you need to complete a National Certificate in Wool Technology (Level 4) from the Southern Institute of Technology. 

Seasonal work

Wool classers usually only work for six months during the peak shearing season from June to November.

Self-employment common among wool classers

Many wool classers work as independent contractors.

Others may work as permanent employees or on annual contracts for:

• bulk wool stores
• wool merchants
• freezing works
• wool scours.

The New Zealand Wool Classers Association estimates that 90% of wool classers are employed in the South Island.

Primary Industry Training Organisation

0800 208020 - info@primaryito.ac.nz - www.primaryito.ac.nz

Wool classers may move into management roles in:

• wool-buying companies
• wool-exporting companies
• large-scale wool product manufacturers.

Wool classers may specialise in classing fine wool or crossbred wool.

Wool classers need to be:

• practical and fast
• accurate, with an eye for detail
• good at communicating and leading teams
• well organised and good at record-keeping.