The program, which runs over the two weeks during school holidays, aims to give people within the community the opportunity to learn both shearing and fleecing.

The college's development officer Donna Winfield said this year's school had attracted a record number of participants.

"We have run the shearing school for a couple of years and it is always successful," she said.

"The Longerenong College students participated in a shearing program earlier in the year and this program was an opportunity for others in the community to give shearing a go.

"It is mainly young people but we did have a 79-year-old gentleman take part.

"Participants learn how to shear, how to crutch, the safety components of the work, how to grind and care for their handpieces and how to handle sheep.

"They also learn how to fleece."

Mrs Winfield said teacher Stephen Drum led the shearing program, with instructors attending from Hamilton.

She said everyone who had participated so far had enjoyed the program.

"We've had many people go on to become shearers," she said.

"It is one of the hardest jobs you can do and is a bit different now with occupational health and safety regulations.

"We do our best to train them in the best possible way.

"We will run the course again next year and I would imagine the numbers will increase again."

Mrs Winfield said anyone interested in the shearing program could call the college on 5362 2222.

She said people needed to be at least 16 to take part and be physically capable of handling sheep.