Shearers and woolhandlers tackle Oakden Hills Improver School

Shearer trainer Justin Dolphin said gone were the days of a poor reputation for the industry as the next generation showed a true commitment to their careers.

This comes as Mr Dolphin took the reigns at the recent Oakden Hills Improver School, teaching industry best practices.

Hosting training schools across the state means the standard on shearing can continue to improve, according to Mr Dolphin.

"We want to make it as easy as we can," he said.

"Twenty years ago, before the training really got going, a lot of people came into the industry and when it got hard, they pulled out.

"It's not just about teaching them to shear either - it's life skills and giving them the tools to make it through the bad days and remind them why they started in the industry.

"The improver schools are a little different because it's fine tuning their skills, but the learner schools are just as exciting - three days at a learner school and the kids are shearing a full sheep unassisted - it's incredible to see."

A total of 13 shearers packed into the shed at Oakden Hills for the latest improver school, with participants hailing from across the state and into Vic.

Woolhandlers were also on deck to hone their skills, with many using the shed as a chance to gain their woolclassing stencil.

About 26,000 sheep were shorn at the shed during the school, with an average of 50 bales produced a day.

"If you go back in time, shearers didn't have the best reputation, but nowadays everyone in the industry is really committed to their craft and have made it into a true profession," Mr Dolphin said.

"The work ethic in young kids these days through the last three or four years is incredible.

"I think having a happy work environment makes a huge difference and having schools like this where they can really improve their skills but also meet other young people in the industry is a big driver.

"They're all working for something - whether it's a new car or a house, they're here and working hard to make something of themselves and it's really promising for the industry."

Working as a shearer for more than 20 years, Mr Dolphin said it was important to give back to the industry that had given him so much.

"I reckon the average age at this school is around 21 years, which shows a good future for the industry," he said.

"It's a pretty big industry and I want to see it keep continuing on.

"To do this I'm away from my family, but it's worth it to me.

"I really want to do as much as I can for the industry because it's been part of my life and got me to where I am."

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South East woolclasser Jess Earle completed her stencil after finishing the shed at Oakden Hills, which she said was a vital experience for her.

"My mum is a pretty good woolclasser herself and my dad was a shearer so I grew up in the sheds," she said.

"I didn't want a bar of the sheds when I was in school, but something brought me back and I'm here two years later, loving every minute.

"Obviously it's a great career and something I really enjoy, but it also means I get to travel and experience the country while I'm young.

"Working in the sheds has taken me to so many places I'd never have the chance to see otherwise and it's given me great contacts in the industry to further my career in the future."