Meet Charlotte: aged 16, just passed her Highers with four As and a B, and already shaping her future. 

Charlotte is aiming for a career in biomedical engineering, designing life-changing prosthetics.  But before she heads into 6th year and university (Glasgow, Strathclyde or Dundee are top of her list), she wanted some real-world, lab-based experience.  Cue Igne.

Why Igne?

“I knew I wanted to work in a lab.  What surprised me most was just how much happens behind the scenes.  Before a material like concrete is used, it’s tested for everything from strength to performance. I’ve loved learning the “why” behind the work.”

Best thing she’s learned so far?

“I thought engineering was mostly desk-based design, but now I know I love the hands-on side of things.”

Three words to sum up her first week?

"Hands-on. New. Intriguing."

Best advice from Aimee?

“Always ask for help – there’s always someone around who’ll support you.”

Concrete or asphalt?

“Concrete!  I’ve had more hands-on time with it.”

Most overheard phrase in the lab?!

“When is the asphalt lab up and running?” (Soon! UKAS certification pending…) 

Meet Aimee: Concrete and Asphalt Supervisor.  Trailblazer.  Mentor.

Proud woman in a male-dominated world, and determined to make space for more women to follow.

Why mentoring matters:

“Watching Charlotte grow in confidence has been amazing.  She asks great questions and brings a fresh perspective.  It reminds me how important communication is - how you explain something really matters.”

Most surprising insight from Charlotte?

“How much we take for granted, especially in the way we speak about our work.  There is a lot of technical details and strict procedures that we do everyday so it is really easy to forget how overwhelming this could be for young people like Charlotte who have never been in this industry before. Communication is always the key, alongside creating an environment where others feel supported and confident to learn .”

Why placements like this matter:

“They give young people a proper hands-on understanding of the industry and show them what’s possible. It also allows young people to realise the importance of teamwork, problem solving and attention to detail”

What’s the biggest misconception?

“That women don’t belong in materials testing.  When we heard we had a young woman coming, I stepped forward to mentor her.  We need more balance in the industry, and I want to show that women can absolutely lead here.”

Proudest professional moment?

“Mentoring Charlotte, without a doubt.  That, alongside investing a lot of time and energy into planning and seeing our new asphalt lab coming together. It’s been extremely rewarding so far to watch my vision take shape. It’s been a huge project and a real labour of love. Now to get the asphalt lab UKAS accredited (fingers crossed). “

One Igne team she’d love to shadow for a day?

“The bomb disposal team!  How they deal with pressure is fascinating.”

Tool she’d never be without?

“My tape measure.  Or my water bottle.  Depends on the day!” 

The Takeaway

This is what progress looks like.  Aimee is paving the way for others to follow - and Charlotte’s already rethinking what her future might hold.  Together, they’re building more than technical skills, they’re building confidence, ambition, and a more inclusive future for the industry.

Here's to more women championing in construction, engineering and geoscience.

At Igne, we don’t just test materials.  We shape futures.

With thanks to North Lanakshire Employer Charter for introducing Igne to Charlotte.