There are 13 men enrolled in the program, which offers a dual qualification in Certificate II in Construction Pathways and Certificate II in Warehousing Operation.

Run by Novaskill, businesses from around the area have jumped onboard, hosting tours of their sites and also providing work experience opportunities.

Included in the mix are O’Donnell and Hanlon (Crescent Head Surf Club project) and Watpac Construction Pty Ltd (Kempsey Hospital upgrade).

Oasis Lifestyle Homes hosted professional and informative tour last Thursday.

There were eight modular buildings on show, all at varying stages of construction inside the factory at South Kempsey.

Novaskill business development officer Sally Griffin said the tours were about making sure the members of the program were kept as close as possible to what is happening locally within the industry.

“We didn’t want them to be sitting in the classroom all day,” she said.

“These guys just need a fair shot. 

"They have found themselves unemployed for whatever reason and it is important that their training with us includes hands on experience. 

"The guys have even been asked to drop their resumes off at a couple of sites which is great.”

Kempsey Shire Council and Kempsey Race Club have also committed their support to the program by providing projects such as work at Steele Park and the race track.