The number of women studying motorsport and engineering at Wiltshire College & University Centre has tripled since 2020, reflecting growing interest in STEM careers among young women.
Figures show that 21 women are now enrolled on motorsport engineering courses, compared with just six in September 2020. A peak of 22 students was recorded during the 2024/25 academic year.
The College says the rise demonstrates increasing awareness of opportunities in industries such as engineering and motorsport.
Motorsport engineering student Rachel Robertson has already begun competing on the international stage, recently making her debut in the F1 Academy series in Shanghai, where she finished tenth in her opening race.
Lily Rayner-Blundell, Executive Director of Curriculum and Lackham Campus, said it was encouraging to see more female students across all levels of study.
“It’s fantastic to see more girls in every class,” she said. “That’s from Level 1 right through to degree-level courses. It really shows that girls are increasingly seeing STEM subjects as a pathway into exciting careers.”
Among those studying at the College is Jodie Buxton, 20, from Devizes, who is completing a degree in Motorsport Technology at the specialist University Centre based at Castle Combe.
She said her interest in engineering began at a young age.
“When I was younger my dad and I used to tinker with bikes, and he also had a taxi business, so I spent a lot of time helping with cars,” she said.
Jodie said increasing representation of women in the industry is helping make engineering careers more accessible.
“Representation is really important. If you look at Formula One now, there are more women working in roles like engineers and radio engineers,” she said.
She hopes to continue her studies and move into high-performance engineering, with ambitions to work in aerospace.
The College is also developing new initiatives to support women entering the industry, including plans for an all-female student racing team.
Image: Motorsport Engineering student in the workshop at Castle Combe. ImageCredit: Greatest Hits Radio (used with permission; copyright remains with GreatestHits Radio)
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