Offering Year 10 students hands-on vocational education helped Clarkson Community High School reduce absenteeism and dropout rates by 90 per cent.
Developed in conjunction with West Coast TAFE College, the 15 week Skills Passport program catered to 36 students at a cost of $36,000.
Students studied one of six industry streams and core competencies in retail, small business, leadership, team work and hospitality, receiving a stamp in their "passport" for those completed.
"I never miss a class and even came in early because I was actually learning and really wanted to be here," said building and construction student Stephan Messham.
"I built a barbeque and, because I am good with my hands, I'm now staying on at school and will do a bricklayer's course next year."
Beauty stream participant Radiah Dutczak, gained confidence to seek a hairdressing or beautician apprenticeship.
"I'm into make-up and all that so wanted to see what it would be like as a job, and now if I get one I'll understand more about what's going on," she said.
"I also learnt hairdressing would be a bit harder because I get a bit paranoid about everything being perfect."
Student services co-ordinator Adrian Scott said the trial's success conviced Wanerroo Senior High School to adopt the program next year.
"A high proportion of our kids enter employment or vocational training early. Only six of our ninety Year 12s are doing TEE," he said.
"And as many come from homes where unemployment is the norm, we're helping them to break that cycle."
Recently relaxed Curriculum Council rules allowed schools to extend their vocational programs to Year 10s.
"This means we can offer earlier options by engaging them in their chosen areas of interest," Mr Scott said.
"And because it's fully acredited, the Skills Passport will be well received by businesses when students are looking for work."
Tafe access and transition mananger Tegan Roberts said the program also benefited students by shaving time off applicable industry training.
The Education Department has not yet comitted to funding the program again next year.
Picture by Lindsay Muskett: Adrian Scott CCHS Student Services Coordinator, Stefan Messham, Radiah Dutczak and Tegan Roberts
