School sites are now bustling with activity as work for the Building the Education Revolution program gets underway. Progress is fast, as part of the commitment from the Federal Government to create jobs in this time of economic hardship.

Illawarra construction companies have been appointed by Richard Crookes Constructions - who are project managing the program - to complete the school building works.

Mount Kembla company Piruse Constructions is working on a new hall and covered outdoor learning area for Jamberoo Public School and a school hall at Berkeley Public School.

Managing director Joe Cachia said the projects had created much-needed work for the company and other firms in the area.

"Without the stimulus money, the building industry is dead," Mr Cachia said.

"For the first time in the 30 years I've been in business in the Illawarra, we were going through a slow time. Anyone in the building industry is going through a hard time at the moment and this is generating quite a bit of work - and it's only just beginning.

"In the next two or three months it will generate a lot more work, I've no doubt about that."

Mr Cachia said he had employed three new members of staff: a site foreman, a project manger and a contracts administrator. He anticipated another two or three positions would be created in the next few months.

Mr Cachia said the benefits were flowing on to other workers in the area, with up to 40 sub-contractors now employed.

These included Wollongong-based R J Plumbing Services and City Bricklaying, and Shellharbour painters Let's Paint and Decorate.

Piruse Constructions now has 26 weeks to complete the work at the schools, subject to weather conditions.