
Student & Alumni Stories
Charlie Thompson, Engineer
Charlie is specialising in Engineering and A Levels in Maths and Physics.
Charlie is all set to join Amazon this September on a prestigious maintenance and mechatronics apprenticeship. “It should be a continuation of what I’ve done here in the Festo room,” he says enthusiastically. “Working with Festo and the Mitsubishi robot is what made me want to go into mechatronics.”
He has just received his results achieving a double distinction* in his engineering technical, an A in maths A Level and an A in his Physics A Level.
Charlie joined the UTC in Year 12 after a recommendation from a friend who told him it was one of the best places for Engineering in the area. After attending an Open Day, he knew it was the right fit. “My engineering ability has skyrocketed compared to anywhere else I would have gone,” Charlie reflects. He says the UTC is structured very differently from other schools and offers a unique and focused learning experience.
A standout moment for Charlie was competing in the WorldSkills National Finals in Automation, where his team ranked in the top six in the country, going head-to-head with university students and apprentices.
Looking back, Charlie is confident that joining the UTC was the right choice. “There’s a massive difference in my destination compared to if I’d stayed in my hometown,” he says.
