College technical officer in charge of sheep and wool Lindsay McNeill is also one of 10 semi finalists in the Premier’s Teacher of the Year category.

Mr McNeill was nominated for his creative approach to teaching.

He provides practical learning experiences where students can be seen raising chickens, emu farming and processing wool.

Winning the award for excellence in VET follows a number of achievements for the college in the past three years.

It is the second time the college has received the State VET in schools award after it won it in 2006 before winning the national VET in schools award.

The Cunderdin college is the only WA school ever to win the national award and is in the running for the award again this year.

Earlier this year three of last year’s graduates received certificates of excellence and one a certificate of distinction in Animal Production and Marketing.

Three years ago, one of the college’s students received a subject exhibition in Animal Production and Marketing, the highest honour available for achievements in a Curriculum Council course.

A reflection of the quality of the education provided at the college is that almost all its graduates gain employment or undertake further study every year.

Employers in the machinery, metals and construction industries actively recruit students from the college as apprentices.

Students from the college also find places in agriculture, teaching, animal science and the arts at university.

This year the college was placed equal first in the top 50 schools in the State for the number of students achieving secondary graduation and equal first in the ranking of the top 50 schools in VET.

College principal Bernard Beatty said students were motivated by the relevance they see in what they are doing and the balance between theory and practical work.

“Courses at the college combine general education with a range of nationally recognized trade certificates,” he said.

“They have the opportunity to gain qualifications in agriculture, engineering, automotives, general construction and furnishing as well as secondary graduation.

“And all this is provided in a supportive, residential environment.”

Mr Beatty said a factor which contributes to the college’s success is its long term partnerships with industry including agricultural research group WA No Till Farming Association and machinery manufacturer John Deere.