A group of Illawarra women are training at TAFE NSW gaining the hands-on skills to operate their own handy-person businesses.

The women are members of the organisation, Supporting And Linking Tradeswomen (SALT). They are studying Certificate I in Construction at TAFE NSW Wollongong, three days a week for a period of four months.

On graduation, the women will have completed the requirements to apply for a license to perform non-structural repairs to properties.

Their training will give them a solid grounding in the use of construction tools used in non-structural carpentry work and maintenance such as framing, cladding, hanging doors, applying trims, repairing substrates and basic painting.

The women will also gain skills and knowledge to start and run their own small business which will enable them to work for larger organisations such as real estate agents, housing corporations and retail businesses.