Bronwyn Luff of Bega, Chris Chalker of Eden, Deon Lloyd of Bemboka and Ray Hynds of Candelo are the second group to graduate from the program with a Certificate II in Construction Pathways.

This group of trainees is now in the final stages of securing employment with companies such as office furniture supplier Emanate Design and SERH contractor Brookfield Multiplex for the duration of the hospital’s construction.

“It has been incredible to see the way in which each and every one of these trainees have developed, applied themselves to the program and ultimately achieved an industry-recognised qualification with transferrable skills,” Brookfield regional managing director of NSW David Ghannoum said.

Brookfield Multiplex partnered with Hunter Valley Training Company for the project, with Illawarra TAFE delivering the training and the Federal Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Indigenous Employment Program providing funding.

The 12-month program was designed to offer Indigenous people the opportunity to learn and develop a diverse and unique range of skills that will provide them with better employment opportunities.

Located not far from the important Aboriginal place, Biamanga Mountain, the SERH will offer extensive community and ambulatory services, community mental health, drug and alcohol services, an emergency department, combined Integrated Critical Care Unit, regional orthopaedic services and expanded surgical, maternity and paediatrics.

Meanwhile, Brookfield Multiplex has topped the “Construction 100” for 2014/15, having been awarded contracts totalling $6.10billion during the year. .

The annual report by the Housing Industry Association – which analyses the largest 100 companies operating in the engineering construction, non-residential building, and apartment sectors – this week announced “a changing of the guard”.

“Over the last few years the list has been dominated by firms tied to the large mining projects, but those times have passed,” HIA chief economist Harley Dale said.