The Be Skilled program has been developed by Senior Campus deputy principal Debbie Head and college careers head teacher Caroline Watts, in collaboration with the Senior Campus curriculum team.

It focuses on real work skills and has been designed for students who struggle with the rigours of the Higher School Certificate but are determined to finish their education and contribute to the workforce.

"Not all students enjoy academic pursuits and the school leaving age is now set at 17," Mrs Head said.

"The college saw a real need to provide a skill-based course of study for these students, to help them transition smoothly into the workforce once they complete their education.

"We talked to a lot of students and found out how they felt and what they wanted to get out of their education and, as a result, we developed a specialised program and hand-selected teachers to run it."

Be Skilled is a two-year program to coincide with years 11 and 12, which will deliver a Dubbo College Certificate of Achievement to students instead of a Higher School Certificate.

The program will include skill development in five areas including English skills, project skills, work and vocational pathways skills, technical and trade maths skills and healthy living skills.

"TAFE Western has also come onboard to run courses as part of the program, with these courses operating at Dubbo College Senior Campus," careers head teacher Caroline Watts said.

"The students we talked with said they preferred to stay at school with their colleagues, rather than travel off-campus for further study.

"Students will now have the opportunity to undertake a TAFE Certificate II in Work and Vocational Pathways, with a focus on kitchen operations and hospitality skills."

Some of the employment skills making up the program include touch typing, mathematics for trade, computer applications, driver education, Responsible Service of Alcohol, construction, textiles and metal and engineering. English skills to help in the workplace will focus on writing resumes, interview techniques and literacy.

"The program really offers students an alternative pathway to complete their education while being strongly focused on their employability when they finish school," Mrs Head said.

"It gives these students a chance to use their final two years at school wisely so they can succeed in the workplace, create better opportunities, a better future and a better life."