The move comes despite chronic shortages of bricklayers with some skilled workers earning more than £50,000-a-year.

Only four students turned up for the course last week and were given the bad news that it is now being cancelled.

A college spokesman told The Bolton News: “Due to insufficient demand we will not be able to run our adult brickwork class this year.

“However, we are working closely with those who have made inquiries and are offering alternative options in various construction trades as well as contacting other colleges to see if they are able to accommodate them on their brickwork courses.

“There were four prospective learners interested in enrolling on the brickwork course. The college’s average class size is between 16 and 18.”