Local lecturer recognised as finalist in WA Training Awards

A senior wool lecturer at South Regional TAFE Narrogin has been recognised for his contribution to the industry by being named a finalist in the WA Training Awards trainer of the year category.

The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, employers and training organisations in WA that show excellence in vocational education and training.

Rob Carter has worked in the sheep shearing industry for much of his life, and stands to receive $3000 and plenty of recognition if he wins the award on September 17.

He is no stranger to success.

Mr Carter has previously won the 2013 Curtin University teaching excellence award and the 2017 Australian Wool Industry Medal, among others.

His journey began as a child growing up on his parents’ sheep farm in Cuballing.

But before getting stuck into shearing, his parents suggested that he get a teaching degree first.

“I’ve been working in the shearing industry pretty much all of my life,” he said. “That’s all I ever wanted to do but I got an education behind myself first.”

After 31/2 years in Perth, Mr Carter returned to Narrogin to better learn the shearing trade by working with a local contractor.

“In the first year I was there, I taught myself how to shear, then a year after that I bought out the person I was working for,” he said.

“I took over their business and was a shearing contractor for 22 years and in the industry for 26 years.”

He said while being named as a finalist was a personal honour, it was also recognition for his industry.