A budding Civil Engineer has used his initiative and determination to secure a paid-for work experience opportunity at a well-established Bury business.

At the beginning of January, Bury College Engineering student Sam Ellithorn started a 45-day work experience placement at Cheetham Hill Construction. This experienced civil engineering, building and equipment hire company was delighted to offer Sam the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience.

Sam was based on site at Broadway Green in Oldham every Monday and Friday. Working on this large infrastructure site, Sam gained valuable experience as a setting out engineer.

Unfortunately, Sam’s work experience was cut short due to Covid-19 and he was unable to continue his placement. The work experience opportunity developed and encouraged Sam’s passion for civil engineering, so much so that he applied for a Civil Engineering course at the University of Salford where he has since been made an unconditional offer.

Once it was safe to return to site, Cheetham Hill Construction approached Sam and offered him a full-time three month paid work placement.

Claire Chamberlain, Director of Cheetham Hill Construction said, “We are an experienced

Bury firm who have been in operation for over 54 years. We were so pleased to be able to work with a local college and provide a student with the opportunity to gain skills needed to advance their career. Sam has shown so much determination and enthusiasm and it is wonderful to see him following his dream and we have been more than happy to support him. We are passionate about our industry and we will give anyone who shows willing an opportunity to work with us.”

Sam Ellithorn, who is a former Woodhey High School pupil from Ramsbottom, added, “I am really enjoying my work experience with Cheetham Hill Construction. This opportunity has helped me to choose my career path at university. During my time on site I gained a basic understanding of day-to-day operations in order to progress with a large scale infrastructure project. I was able to assist the engineers and learn about their different roles. My time at Bury College was very enjoyable and it helped me to gain knowledge about Engineering in general.”