Not so long ago Krystina Semmler couldn't tell the difference between a screw and a nail.
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Today the TAFE Wollongong student has ambitions of one day running her own handy-person business.
But first she wants to complete her Certificate 1 in Construction at TAFE Wollongong.
The 29-year-old is also enjoying being part of a pilot program teaching women building and handy person skills so they can operate their own businesses.
The program is being led by a group of Illawarra women training at TAFE Wollongong campus to gain 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 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.
SALT vice-president and program teacher Flavia Teixeira said the national group encouraged women into trades.
One way SALT did this was by running workshops in schools throughout the Illawarra.
"This latest initiative with the Department of Training is supported by TAFE NSW and allows us to teach the women some skills which ultimately will allow them to get a handyperson license if they want," Ms Teixeira said.
"During the course we are also going to do a business unit which will hopefully help the women finish the course and start their own business.
"This is obviously a pilot project but these women are amazing. They really want to be here and that really helps.
"I think they will do really well and hopefully the program will also be rolled out to other TAFE campuses."
Rebecca Johnston is one of those students who is loving the Cert I course.
The 41-year-old said she doesn't even mind travelling from Nowra to Wollongong three times a week to complete the course.
Read more: All hands-on for TAFE Wollongong open day
"I love it. I really enjoy doing the course," Ms Johnston said.
"I have gained plenty of skills already which will help me around the house.
"I don't have to rely on anyone else to fix things up, I can actually do it myself. More importantly I'm actually enjoying the course and am considering doing a Cert III which will make me the same as the apprentices, meaning I could start my own business if I wanted."