Engineering futures: Welcoming Zain and Elliott to the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme
The team at the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme recently had the pleasure of welcoming two enthusiastic students for work experience placements—Zain Chelton, who has just completed his Level 3 BTEC in Engineering at Preston College, and Elliott Roby, a Year 10 student from Parklands High School.
Their time on site offered a unique glimpse into the world of civil engineering, and both students left with new skills, insights, and inspiration for the future.
Zain Chelton: A week of discovery and hands-on learning
Zain spent a full week with the team, diving into the practical and theoretical aspects of civil engineering. One of the standout moments for him was learning how to conduct a level survey—measuring and determining the height of unknown points relative to a benchmark. He also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of temporary works in construction after speaking with our Engineering Manager.
Zain appreciated the supportive environment and the opportunity to use equipment he’d never encountered before. He also found the Safety Ripple session particularly insightful, offering a real-world view of how health and safety is managed and continuously improved on site.
“I didn’t realise how complicated construction really is,” Zain said. “Everything has to be so accurate—there’s not much room for error! I was also surprised by how durable the structures are, especially the parts you don’t usually see.”
Zain Chelton
Elliott Roby: A day of big machines and big ideas
Elliott joined the team for a day and was immediately captivated by the scale of the operation—especially the piling rig.
“I really liked seeing all the big machinery being used on the Preston site,” he said. “Walking around with the engineers helped me understand what was happening.”
Elliott learned about the importance of sequencing and planning in construction, and was introduced to the concept of Temporary Works. He also gained an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes roles that support engineering projects, such as Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Communications, ICT, and HR.
“I was surprised by how long some jobs take and how much work is done underground or behind the scenes,” Elliott added. “It definitely helped me see that engineering is what I want to do in the future.”
Elliott Roby
These placements are a great example of how real-world experience can spark curiosity and ambition in young people.
We wish Zain and Elliott all the best in their future studies and careers and hope to see them back on site one day!
