The latest batch of participants kicked off their training last week, with a group of men learning skills to work in the construction industry.

Birrang Enterprise Development project manager Nikita Mason said courses were designed in consultation with local businesses and their requirements for new employees.

Courses are also developed around community needs in consultation with what people want to learn, Ms Mason said.

“It’s what they [businesses] would like to see in their employees and what their business needs are,” she said.

Having run courses for the last four years, Ms Mason said people’s lives had been changed by what they had achieved.

“It breaks the welfare-dependence cycle. You can see them change when they achieve something,” she said.

The eight-week Men Working Together course started last week, involving participants aged from 16 to their early 20s learning construction skills.

Birrang employment and training officer Lyndal Robb said the participants received the nationally-recognised Certificate III in Business Administration.

Also included in the training is first aid, manual handling nd assistance in finding employment once this course is completed.

Participants are also given the opportunity to complete the Learn to Drive Safely course.

“One of the biggest barriers to getting a job is not having a licence,” Ms Robb said.

In its third week, the Women Working Together course has six participants completing three units from the Certificate III in Business Administration.

“The women are getting great ... the confidence of these women is going through the roof,” Ms Mason said.

“With one person gaining employment already it’s given them the drive to finish their course.”

For further information on available courses contact Birrang Enterprise Development on 6361 9511.

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