Careers advisor Michelle Bond said SBAT has proven to be a successful alternative to offer students who might not want to enter into university, a secure pathway into their employment future.

Ms Bond said Eden Marine's success with the scheme, integrated into Years 10,11 and 12, has been a credit to the school, students and surrounding communities.

"We are the number one school in the state for SBATs, employers in the area have been incredibly supportive taking on apprentices and employing the students. The success rate has been positive," Ms Bond said.

This year's cohort sees students entering into varied industries including fitness, travel, hospitality, education, construction, business and health. However Ms Bond said it would great if there were some more mechanics and auto electrician opportunities in the area.

"Normally when the students are in Year 9 we start to hone in on what their directions might be. I am always on the lookout for opportunities for them and I encourage any employers looking train to people up to get in touch with me," she said.

In her experience of six years as careers advisor, Ms Bond said kids leaving school before completing Year 12 has been minimal and described the SBAT program as a win-win situation.

"If kids become disengaged it's normally around Year 9. So starting work experience can re-engage them and set them on the path to continue on. The bonus is they are still enrolled in school and do school subjects and we can keep an eye out and support them. Even after they leave they are still linked to the school.

"The other bonus is for employers who can train them earlier and mould them into how they want them to be. And if things don't go quite as planned and the need to withdraw [from either party] arises they still have the school support. Most students complete their first year of apprenticeship while still at school."

Last year Eden Marine High students participating in the program Tom Burn and Keely Coleman were recognised for their vocational training efforts and successes at the South Coast Workplace VET Awards.

Keely was studying a Certificate III in fitness and received an award of excellence. Tom was completing his first year of a school-based Certificate III in metal fabrication and engineering and received South Coast VET student of the year. He was also awarded school-based apprentice of the year for the Illawarra and South East NSW region.

Ms Bond said another popular avenue for students has been the Defence Force.