Nearly 200 members of the Chinese textile industry have received hands-on training at Zhangjiagang, China; delivered by the Australian wool industry in an effort to raise awareness of quality assurance measures.

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), in association with the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) and the Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) provided information on classing standards, measurement and certification, presale information on wool quality and the roles of the grower, classer, broker and buyer.

The two day workshop delivered programs aimed at improving the knowledge and use of Australian wool quality systems.

Ben Lyons, AWI Knowledge Services Manager said 58 China-located companies were represented at the workshop.

“There was a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, with AWEX conducting skirting demonstrations and presale clip inspection proceduers with an in depth explanation of 107 wool sale lots and the corresponding catalogue information,” said Mr Lyons.

“Additional sessions by AWTA on objective measurement, certification and dark and medullated fibre testing were very well received. Overall one hundred per cent of participants said the course improved their understanding of Australian Merino wool.

“Importantly, the information and training reached participants who rated their knowledge of Australia’s wool quality systems as either basic or no prior knowledge. The participants ranged from young, factory floor technicians through to enterprise managers.
 
“Over 75 per cent of the participants also said they saw opportunities to use more Australian Merino wool, following the workshop.

“This is an excellent way in which to further not only the understanding of the quality assurance systems in place in Australia, but also to increase awareness of the premium Australian clip.

“We have the world’s best wool marketing and quality assurance systems, and the best natural fibre. It is important to educate our key customers on how this system works and how it can help them make important quality-based decisions."

AWI, in conjunction with AWEX, AWTA, the International Fibre Centre and the Australian Wool Textile Training Centre (AWTTC), has applied for funding through the Australia China Agricultural Technical Cooperation; to deliver more workshops of this kind.

“This funding application proposes a two tier education and training strategy. AWI is also offering funding to assist staff from overseas processors to attend AWTTC courses in November,” said Mr Lyons.

“Some of the courses will be offered in Chinese language to further assist our customers understand the system. A key outcome of the series of meetings between both countries under the China-Australia Wool Quality Working Group was the need for better understanding and education, which the industry is addressing.”
 
Australian Wool Innovation Limited