Our ‘30 Under 30’ series celebrates the emerging talent helping to shape the future of civil engineering. This profile features Sam Ellithorn, who became Cheetham Hill Construction’s first civil engineering degree apprentice after joining the business through work experience.
Combining studies at the University of Salford with experience on HS2, BAE Systems and Environment Agency projects, Sam graduated with First Class Honours and won the university’s Engineering Apprentice of the Year award in 2023.
His responsibilities span surveying, setting out, quality checks, temporary works and lift planning. He has led engineering for a concrete tank project in Manchester and taken on management responsibilities in Barrow-in-Furness, supported by further training in site management safety, lifting operations and temporary works coordination.
Alongside developing his own skills, Sam supports fellow engineers and helps introduce students to construction through school visits and work experience. With ambitions to manage complete projects, his progress demonstrates how degree apprenticeships can build technical expertise, leadership skills and rewarding careers in civil engineering.