AFTER overcoming challenges in their high school years, five Year 12 students graduated from the Australian Technology and Agricultural College in North Maclean this week.
Xander Young, Javier Newton, Drew Morrison, Andrew Smith and Oliver Walker were among the graduates to receive their Queensland Certificate of Education and a Certificate II in the vocational field of their choice.
The subject award winner for Essential English and Certificate II in Business, Oliver Walker, has also obtained an electrical apprenticeship.
Meanwhile, Andrew Smith was presented with the Essential Maths subject award while Xander Young, Javier Newton and Drew Morrison received Progressive Awards.
The Year 10 Award went to Joshua McLachlan while Caleb Sutcliffe picked up the Year 11 award.
ATAC principal Narendra Nand said the institution's flexible learning program was tailored to help students who struggled in a traditional school environment.
"These are people who were not able to complete school and we have engaged them and provided them with work experience," Mr Nand said.
"It has been hard to secure apprenticeship positions for them but they now have additional skills.
"We have been able to teach life skills and they now have a Certificate II in Business, their QCE and a Certificate II in the career area of their choice."
The Australian Technology and Agricultural College formed a partnership with Bee All Natural business owners Natasha and Jason Roebig to set up a Native Bee project to support young and old bee keepers.
The institution also established the North Maclean Community Garden this year.
ATAC was founded by Mr Nand and Professor Rod Drew, who is the former chairperson of the International Society for Horticultural Science.