Jackaroo

A jackaroo is a young man (feminine equivalent jillaroo) working on a sheep or cattle station to gain practical experience in the skills needed to become an owner, overseer, manager, etc.

Several possibilities have been put forward: A jackaroo (sometimes spelt jackeroo) Is a young man learning experience on a pastoral property.

[15] This book[16] begins by describing itself as: "Containing the latest hits on Busy in town, Australia's carsman, The Chinese and federation, Squatters' defeat, Australia's happy land, The Jackaroo, &c., &c.," In 1867, Temple Bar magazine featured an essay, "Reminiscences of Bush Life in Queensland," in which the anonymous author calls himself a "Jackaroo" due to his inexperience (the story takes place in 1863).

The jackaroo's employment may have been made by agreement between his father and the wealthy squatter through some connection, with the son working for a year in a variety of roles for his board and lodging.

If an ordinary jackeroo paid the station 25 shillings per week for the first twelve months, he would not compensate them for the damage he does (just through want of experience), no matter how willing he may be.

Vigars continues, "A jackeroo is a title signifying a youth under training for the pastoral profession, and corresponding to the midshipman on a warship – an apprentice in the Mercantile Marine Service – or in a commercial house – an articled clerk in a solicitor's office, and so on.

"[28] The traditional method for training young men for practical occupations had been the apprenticeship, and this began to be replaced by programs of formal schooling.

[1975] – Michael Thornton wrote a small book[29] hoping to contribute "to the memories of what might well become a dying avenue of Australian tradition".

Dubbo and Kimberley Technical and further education (TAFE) centres provide a certificate course of practical experiences for people who want to work as jackaroos or jillaroos on rural properties.