From her early interests to designing inclusive tools, Charlotte’s time at College has helped her develop resilience, ambition, and her passion for the subject.
We spoke to her about her time at College, what she hopes to do next, and her thoughts on seeing more women moving into STEM industries. Here’s what she had to say:
Why Engineering?
Charlotte’s love for engineering didn’t come from textbooks or classrooms, it started in her dad’s garage. Growing up, she often helped him work on cars, sparking a curiosity about how things worked and a love for building and fixing things.
But it wasn’t until she joined the Sea Cadets that things really clicked. There, she participated in an engineering course and discovered how engaging, hands-on, and rewarding the field could be.
“My dad and my godfather are both engineers, so I used to help my them a lot in the garage, it was a nice bonding experience.”
Support that matters
Choosing EKC Ashford College has allowed Charlotte to continue her studies close to home, surrounded by the support of her family.
One of the things Charlotte also values most about her College experience is the balance between independence and support. She speaks highly of the teaching staff, who make themselves available and responsive, even outside classroom hours. She also utilises the E-Hub, coming in to study during her days off.
For her, that sense of support has been vital, especially during a recovery period when she needed additional assistance getting around campus.
“Help is always literally just a message away. Tutors are always happy to help when you need it and do all they can to support you; whether that’s live meetings or giving us presentations so we can make our own notes.”
Breaking the mould: Women in Engineering
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Charlotte has had moments where she’s been the only female student in the room. And while that experience can be daunting, she’s used it as motivation to push forward and to pave the way for others.
She speaks candidly about the courage it takes to walk into a space where you might stand out, but also about the changes she’s starting to notice. More women are entering the field now, and that shift is something she’s proud to be a part of.
“I’m the only female on the course, and it can take a lot of guts to walk into a classroom full of men. But things are changing, and there’s more females studying Engineering (and even Construction) courses now. I see a lot more females walking these corridors, which is amazing.
“I want to inspire my niece; I would love her to do something like I do.”
Designing with purpose
One of the most fulfilling parts of Charlotte’s course has been applying her creativity to real-world challenges. In one standout project, she designed a hairbrush tailored for people with limited mobility, drawing directly from her own experience recovering from surgery.
Her design isn’t just functional, it’s thoughtful, personal, and focused on improving someone’s everyday experience. That’s what engineering means to her – solving real problems with smart, empathetic solutions.
“My design is based on people with limited mobility. It’s a hairbrush that’s lightweight and has oil so you can brush your hair even if you can’t lift your arm.”
Looking ahead
With strong foundations in engineering and a real passion for creating solutions, Charlotte is excited about what the future holds. She hopes to progress into a higher apprenticeship, ideally staying close to home but she’s open to where the work takes her. More than anything, she wants to be doing something meaningful where she can design, build, and improve the world around her.
Her dream job? One where she’s creating solutions no one’s thought of yet.
“I just want to create things that no one’s thought of before.”
Advice to Future Engineers
Charlotte’s advice to new students is simple but powerful: stay curious, ask for help when you need it, and trust your own abilities. Engineering can seem overwhelming at first, but every skill is built step by step, and support is always available if you reach out.
She also encourages young women especially to follow their passions, even if they find themselves in the minority. Don’t let doubts or stereotypes hold you back.
“Just because it’s male-dominated doesn’t mean you can’t also succeed. Don’t be scared to take that first step.”
Inspired by Charlotte’s story?
EKC Ashford College offers a range of Engineering courses, designed to give you the skills and confidence to build your future in this exciting sector.
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