Trainer in a class of his own

WA wool classing trainer Robert Carter has won the 2013 Curtin University Teaching Excellence Award (Rural Achievement and Community category), sponsored by Commonwealth Bank.

Based in Narrogin, the CY O'Connor design and course co-ordinator of wool studies teaches students throughout the Wheatbelt.

Judged against other Statewide school and training provider nominees, Mr Carter said he felt humbled and privileged in accepting his award at a recent presentation.

"The award is a win in general for regional and rural WA," he said.

The former primary school teacher entered the shearing industry in 1982, before qualifying as a wool classer.

He ran a shearing contracting business before taking up his current position.

"Joining TAFE in 2007, I assisted in establishing a wool classing delivery, which is not the largest study area of the institute," he said.

"Many of our student graduates have gone on to receive industry recognition for wool preparation and classing."

Mr Carter is an executive member of the WA Shearing Industry Association and is affiliated with numerous related associations.