SOURCE: Western Magazine
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Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) hosted the inaugual Young Merino Challenge at Dubbo TAFE Western Institute on August 10 and 11 inviting young people to try their hand in different aspects of Merino breeding.
Project manager Ben Watts said the day was a huge success with young people from across the country gathering for the event.
"It was a fantastic day, a really postitive event. Over 60 different students registered from 10 different schools and colleges and 130 people came to the industry dinner that night," he said. "They were the kind of numbers we were hoping for."
The event encouraged young people to develop their industry knowledge, skills and networks as they participated in seven mini-challenges across the two days.
"There was the wool section, breeding section and production section. They all tested skills and knowledge," Mr Watts said.
Tom Tourle from Dubbo's TAFE Western Institute enjoyed the weekend of learning.
"It's been a great weekend, we've learnt so much about Merinos and wool which has been very valuable," Mr Tourle said.
The reason behind the weekend was to encourage people to step into a career in sheep and wool.
"We decided to do it as a way of attracting and inspiring young people into the wool industry," Mr Watts said.
Mr Tourle believes this confirmed his career interests.
"Before this event I was interested in a career in the wool and sheep industry, and the NMC has convinced me of it," Mr Tourle said.
The weekend also offered a unique networking opportunity for everyone in the wool industry.
"It was a great networking opportunity. Students enjoyed networking with other students from interstate and people who are in the industry," Mr Watts said.
Due to the success of the weekend Mr Watts is hoping the AWI considers hosting the event annually.
"We're certainly planning to do it again next year. The project will be reviewed by AWI and hopefully we can make it an annual thing," he said.