AN EASTLEIGH school's bid to become specialist school in business and enterprise has been given a giant boost.

Crestwood Community School is forging a partnership with construction giants Rokbuild.

The move comes at a time when the nation is in danger of being hit with a skills famine.

The Shakespeare Road school plans to offer a greater choice of vocational studies and improve pupils' job prospects when they move into the world of work.

The link with Rokbuild will strengthen the school's ability to enable work experiences in manufacturing applied GCSE.

This will provide a taste of modern apprenticeship courses relevant to today's construction industry.

This option will be open to Year 10 and Year 11 students from September 2003 and was introduced to Year 9 parents and students with a presentation from Rokbuild's Adam Bennett, a trainee engineer and graduate.

A serious decline in the levels of skilled manpower is widely recognised and the new-style apprenticeships should go some way to dealing with the shortage.

It is also hoped the scheme will pave the way for more young people to access university degree courses.

As well as creating work experience opportunities, Rokbuild will also be involved in the school's "Construction is our Business Day" to be held during National Construction Week in October.

During Crestwood's challenge days, Rokbuild will be helping to highlight the opportunities a career in construction can offer.