Once voted “least likely to study engineering” by her coursemates, Ellie Carey is anything but your traditional engineer.

Drawn to philosophy and ethics as much as technical problem-solving, Ellie often felt like an outsider among peers at university who lived and breathed technical concepts. It was through Engineers Without Borders UK that she realised engineering could be about more than equations – it’s about shaping a better world.

Now a newly elected trustee of Engineers Without Borders UK, Ellie is ready to shake things up in the world of globally responsible engineering. We sat down with her to understand what motivated her to take this step and what she hopes to see during her term.

Finding her feet in engineering

Whether co-founding a podcast, converting a van for travelling, or scaling rock faces, Ellie has always sought out new challenges in unconventional ways. Her decision to study engineering was no exception.

“I almost studied Theology as I’m really interested in ethics and maths and physics do not come naturally to me, but I needed a course with more contact time as I love talking to people – which is why I chose engineering.”

Despite enjoying the course – in particular, the problem-solving aspect of engineering – Ellie felt like an imposter. It wasn’t until she discovered Engineers Without Borders that she felt a sense of belonging in the engineering world.

“I was invited to speak at the first Systems Change Lab event in 2023, which was a real turning point for me. Feeling like my voice was valued, even though I didn’t view myself as a technical engineer, was a huge confidence boost. We need to give people space to find their place in engineering, whatever that looks like.”
Ellie Carey delivers a keynote presentation at the 2023 Systems Change Lab event. She stands on a white podium against a white background.
Ellie delivering a keynote at the Systems Change Lab in September 2023.

This ethos carried into her involvement with the Engineers Without Borders Bristol Chapter where, as President, she helped run events including an annual design challenge. “One of my highlights was our Solve the Ocean challenge, where we developed solutions to support ocean cleanups. These activities really supplemented my course, where a lot of the content felt outdated.”

Even during lockdown, the Chapter kept its community strong, offering Ellie a lifeline of connection when university felt isolating.

Ellie Carey stands at the front of a university presentation room. She can be seen presenting in front of two large slides which feature the words 'Solve the ocean'.
Ellie presenting at the launch of the Solve the Ocean Designathon at the University of Bristol.

The future of engineering? Ask young people

Now, as a trustee, Ellie wants to amplify young voices in the sector.

“Students bring fresh perspectives because they haven’t been shaped by the established norms and practices of the industry yet. More practically, young people will be the ones working in 2040 and 2050, facing the full impact of the climate crisis. The future we are trying to create needs to be shaped by those who will be living in it.”

For Ellie, ensuring intergenerational representation in industry isn’t rocket science. “It’s not complicated. Just create spaces where young people can be part of decision-making. They don’t need to sit in every Board meeting, but their views should be heard.”

Her passion for systems change is clear: “The biggest barrier to change in higher education and industry is our inability to dream of something different. We need to embrace transformative change, not just tweak the status quo.”

She adds that the Systems Change Lab, relaunching in March, is a space where that kind of radical imagination can happen.

Ellie Carey judging at the Engineering for People Grand Finals. She stands next to a judge from RS Group who wears a red RS polo shirt. The blurred background features presentation boards with the design solutions of student teams.
Ellie judging as part of the Engineering for People Grand Finals in Sheffield in June 2024.

Embracing the responsibility

So how does it feel to be stepping into a trustee role at 24? “It’s a huge honour,” Ellie says. “I feel proud, but I also feel a real sense of responsibility. My job is to make sure students and early-career engineers have a voice. The decisions we make now will shape the world we’ll be working in by 2050.”

She’s open about her own uncertainties about the future, “I’m in my first ‘grown-up’ job, still figuring things out. I have the same fears as a lot of people in our network – what will the world look like when I’m 50? Will my dream job even exist?”

By sharing her worries for the future of the sector, Ellie hopes to amplify the voices of students and early-career engineers who are navigating the same questions. She encourages anyone who shares her concerns to connect with the Engineers Without Borders movement:

“If you want to meet a community of people who want their impact on the world to be positive, get involved with Engineers Without Borders UK.”

With Ellie Carey at the table, the future of engineering might just be a little more open, a little more creative, and a lot more human.

 

If you’d like to connect with Ellie or learn more about the role of our elected trustees, please contact us at community@ewb-uk.org.

Ellie Carey will hold the position of elected trustee until 2028, alongside Luke Smith.