Developing the leadership skills of young people in the wool industry is a key feature of Australian Wool Innovation’s investment in education and training. The Breeding Leadership course is an opportunity available to any wool industry participants aged from 25 to 35 years.
Having run in alternate years since 2002, over 130 men and women have now completed the week-long Breeding Leadership course; an opportunity to learn and network with likeminded people from around Australia. Open to anyone currently working in agriculture with a focus on the wool industry, applications are now being called for.
Participants will learn from skilled deliverers in the areas of leadership and personal development, working in teams, strategy and ‘thinking big’ about the future, as well as covering business fundamentals, such as managing change, entrepreneurship and innovation and problem solving. The program provides local industry links and opportunities for business visits, both on-farm and off.
“Breeding Leadership was invaluable for gaining knowledge from industry leaders and boosted my enthusiasm towards the longevity and stability of the wool and sheep industry,” said Becky McKay, 2016 participant from Victoria.
Sam Neumann from SA also participated in Breeding Leadership 2016 and added “the course allowed us to look at topics vital to business but outside our usual operating scope. The group benefited from having these topics ‘translated’ into a language and practical application that we understand and use.”
Emily King, AWI Manager, Woolgrower Education & Capacity Building said “this is a very rewarding program for anyone working in the wool supply chain or service industries. As I travel the country in my role, I am constantly working with past participants of Breeding Leadership and I am thrilled with their achievements and ongoing commitment to the wool industry.”
The longevity of the course demonstrates the value provided to both individual participants and the wool industry. By supporting this program, AWI aims to increase the number of enthusiastic, influential, dynamic and dedicated leaders that can contribute into the future.
The course will be delivered in February 2018 in Clare, South Australia by Rural Directions Pty Ltd, an agribusiness consulting company.
Applications to participate in the program are now open, with submission due by Monday, 16 October 2017. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit wool.com/breedingleadership or contact Carlyn Sherriff via phone 08 8841 4500 or email csherriff@ruraldirections.com.
If you are passionate about your industry and want to develop your skills to make a difference in the future, this course is for you!
