The former student may have graduated more than 20 years ago, but still holds the school in high regard for leading him to the path he is on today.

Mr West was raised on a farm at Salt Ash and started his first job at The Rose Farm at Port Stephens, aged 16.

"Back in my day, if you wanted to be a tradesman, a labourer or any kind of apprentice you left school in year 10," he said.

When he was 20 he decided to further his education and start a Certificate in Agriculture.

"I wanted to be more than what I was, so I went to Tocal."

"Tocal is a very hands-on in its education. You have to be competent in both the practical and the theory side of things."

Although he planned to enrol in university to study agronomy (the science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, fibre, and land reclamation), he managed to score a job with Newcastle City Council in the Parks and Gardens department.

Since then his career has blossomed. Mr West is now the council's bushland services co-ordinator and directs two dozen permanent staff, external contractors and about 150 Blackbutt and Landcare volunteers.

Over the years he continued to built on his education at Tocal, also completing a Certificate III in Captive Animals and a Diploma of Project Management through TAFE.

This month Tocal celebrates its half-century with Back to Tocal, inviting all past students and staff to a weekend of celebrations, including a farm and homestead tour, live entertainment and fireworks.

The Back to Tocal 50th reunion will be held on July 26 and 27.

For more information go to tocal.com/home/celebrating-50-years.