Health issues meant hospital visits were frequent and her school could not make allowances for her absences.

Last year, she joined a vocational education program for years 10-12 students at The Laurels community college in Bacchus Marsh.

There, the 16-year-old was able to do the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, an alternative to VCE, which combines industry experience with education.

Marayne's confidence soon blossomed.

She took part in a communications subject with Bacchus Marsh community radio station 98.5 Apple FM, where she broadcast live interviews and presentations.

"At first I babbled on nervously, but I gained confidence. We set ourselves goals and achieved them, got feedback from listeners. It was nice to be recognised for our work."

Station manager Terry Ryan said the eight-week pilot course was a great success, so much so that last month Apple FM was awarded a $5000 grant through the state government's 'Be Heard' community radio program.

Mr Ryan said the money meant the station could host the VCAL program again this year and upgrade some equipment.

"VCE doesn't suit everybody," the former high school teacher said.

"You need another option. It gives the kids much greater confidence."

But the grant is bittersweet for The Laurels manager Coral Arnold.

The government last year announced it would slash $48 million from VCAL programs across the state, cutting $12 million of annual co-ordination funding over four years.

Last Wednesday, Education Minister Martin Dixon told a Ballarat school the government had no plans to reinstate the axed funds.

Ms Arnold said funding cuts had cost The Laurels about $30,000.

"Although it doesn't endanger the program, it makes it hard to give a broader education to the kids and narrows their opportunities. It's hard for us as a senior secondary school provider outside the school system because we don't get the same overall funding that schools receive.''

Ms Arnold said the VCAL program was vital. "We're able to provide a positive environment that turns some kids who were previously disengaged around."

Marayne was recently presented with Melton Shire's 'youth citizen of the year' award, which she said her VCAL education played a part in.

Fellow VCAL students Kane Riley, Lauway Poelwyk and Holly Veal echoed her praise for the program.

"Going to The Laurels built up and nurtured my strengths," said Kane, who also joined the VCAL program last year.

"The best thing I learnt last year was that a dream will always be a dream until you do something about it."