Mayors Taskforce for Jobs supports future of shearing

Published on 16 March 2026

The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) has partnered with McSkimming Shearing and Phil Cleland Shearing to train young people in shearing, thanks to the Elite Wool Industry Training Course held at Mt Parker Woolshed near Ikawai this month.

The Waitaki based shearing businesses approached Greg Pestell, the MTFJ coordinator for the District, seeking support for nine of their young staff to attend the four-day course.

Greg Pestell said: “The MTFJ’s role is to help young people into employment, but also support sustainable employment for young people, and support local employers to develop and retain staff in the Waitaki District.

I visited the course on the final day, and Noel and Bruce from Elite Wool Industry Training Ltd were calm and encouraging – but ensured they all met the physical and mental demands of shearing during their assessments”

Mayor Mel Tavendale said: “Partnering with local businesses to support the shearing industry and giving young people a fair shot at a career is another benefit of the Mayors Task Force for Jobs. I’d like to thank Willy McSkimming and Phil Cleland for working with us to help these young people.”

Costs were split between the MTFJ, the employer and the young people attending – and each wrote an introductory letter about their ambitions for future employment as shearers.

Willy McSkimming of McSkimming Shearing Ltd said, “I really appreciate the MTFJ’s support on this, and pass on our thanks to the Mayor and wider Waitaki District Council as well. Backing initiatives like this and helping young people get a start in an industry like ours makes a real difference. We need a steady flow of young people coming through the ranks, so support like yours goes a long way”

The Mayors Task Force For Jobs is funded by the Ministry for Social Development through Local Government NZ but delivered locally by Waitaki District Council.

ENDS

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