A BUILDING firm is helping Castlebrook High School lay the foundations for piloting the new construction GCSE.

Ten construction students from the Unsworth school experienced life on a building site, courtesy of the Wigan head office of Allenbuild.

Castlebrook, in Parr Lane, is only one of five schools in the Manchester area to have a dedicated construction skills centre on campus.

The pupils visited the company's Aquapark site in Southport where a new water attraction is being built. They were given a tour of the site and saw how a construction site operates.

Allenbuild staff also shared their knowledge on sustainability issues, health and safety, programming and role responsibilities, which form modules within the curriculum. The contractor's staff also explained the variety of trade and professional careers in the construction industry.

Natalie Hill, business development manager of Allenbuild North West, said: "The building industry is facing a real skills shortage and so we are delighted to support the Construction GCSE. This will provide a first step on the ladder to a career in construction and we would urge others to take a vested interest in the future generations of our industry."

Assistant headteacher Mrs Sandra Carter commented: "Castlebrook High is the first and only school in Bury delivering Construction Awards and GCSE examinations in construction. It is important that we develop industrial links and Allenbuild has been extremely helpful. The Aquapark trip was invaluable and greatly appreciated by our staff and pupils."

In May, the school was visited by former Director General of the CBI Sir Digby Jones in his role as National Skills envoy.

Just over two weeks ago, Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas, who plays Jason Grimshaw, performed the official opening of the new construction centre.