PUPILS can become the builders of the future thanks to a pioneering scheme at a Bolton secondary school.

Withins School is the first in the area to introduce a course which teaches practical skills including tiling, flagging, joinery, plumbing and painting.

The construction course was introduced as an alternative to GCSEs for the less academic pupils at the Breightmet school, but has become so popular that more than 50 teenagers are taking part.

The school has set up a partnership with Bolton's B&Q store. Pupils now visit the store every week to learn even more about skills such as plumbing and decorating.

Since the course was introduced, four pupils have gone straight into the building industry as apprentices and two have enrolled on courses at Bolton Community College.

The course has also received accreditation from the Open College Network, which is affiliated to Manchester University.

Construction co-ordinator Bernard Lynam hopes that former pupils who might have struggled to find a job or college course since leaving Withins will eventually be able to benefit from the training

He is also keen to involve the community and invite other schools to make use of their facilities.

He said: "In about 15 years there will be a lack of skilled tradesmen because there is such a shortage of young people going into the industry."

Pupil Michael Green, aged 14, said: "I always wanted to be a builder. When I leave school I want to do a Modern Day apprenticeship."

Lucy Holden, aged 15, said: "This is definitely something different. Learning all this means I'll be able to build my own house!"