Charlie's AAT Story: ‘The results have spoken for themselves.’

Two years ago, Charlie Porritt was a stay-at-home mum whose confidence had hit rock bottom. Today, she's working in a finance department with her employer funding her Level 4 AAT qualification and offering her increased responsibilities just a few short months into the post. "I sent the application at midnight before my 38th birthday – I knew I'd talk myself out of it by morning.” Charlie remembers. "My confidence was extremely low. I felt like I wasn't good enough to do anything other than look after the kids and the house.”

With a background in social work and several years out of the workforce, Charlie had always loved spreadsheets and numbers but never thought she had what it took to pursue accounting. The pandemic years had further eroded her confidence.

"I finally realised I had to do something for me. Something I've always wanted to do."

On the eve of her birthday, Charlie had what she calls "a fit of confidence" in the middle of the night, sending off her application to the college, worried that by morning she'd lose her nerve.

Julie Todd-Davis, Charlie’s AAT lecturer, responded quickly over the summer break, which gave Charlie another burst of confidence. But when invited for an interview, Charlie's nerves almost derailed her plans.

"I was so anxious and feeling sick. I avoided coming in for an interview. Julie considered my application anyway and I was accepted onto the course – that's the level of belief she had in me."

Even on the first day, Julie was clear about the rigour of AAT Accounting. "She explained that undertaking this course is like learning a new language. But I kept at it, and the results speak for themselves. I achieved a Distinction at Level 2, and I am now walking away with a Distinction at Level 3, too.”

Having previously completed an Access course at Hartlepool College and a degree in social work at Leeds University prior to her career break, Charlie notes the difference Julie’s support has made as a tutor. "I have never had a tutor more willing to give their time to help me succeed – not just academically, but pastorally," Charlie says. "Julie can read her students in a minute. She can see if you're having a down day. She doesn't work to contract – she gives her own time, checks in via emails, and adapts to the needs of her learners.”

The change in Charlie has been remarkable. Two years ago, she sat at the back of the class, too shy to speak. When Julie introduced presentations in the first few weeks, Charlie panicked. "Now I'd be the group leader," she laughs. "Two years ago, I panicked about sending an application from the comfort of my own bedroom, in the middle of the night. I struggled to talk to people in the class at first. Even the fact that I've walked in here today to do an interview – I couldn't have pictured it then."

Charlie hopes her story will resonate with other parents who've taken time to focus on their caring responsibilities, and are worried it may be too late to pursue a different career path.

"There’s got to be other mams out there who have been out of work like I have, reaching a similar age to me, thinking it's too late to try something new. But I don't think it is. Time's going to pass anyway – you might as well do something with it. You just have to get over that first hurdle.” Charlie’s advice to others is to find something that belongs to ‘you’ – a career change, a new skill set – and let it drive you. “I didn't want to spend my life scared and worried. It was nerve-wracking to begin with, but after the first month, the fear went away.”

Charlie also wants others to know about the broader support available: "Even if accounting isn't for you, you can be guided towards something else. I have nothing but high praise for this entire establishment. There are teams here who can help with confidence, career options, and CV building. Every single person at this college has been welcoming."

With her Level 4 funding secured and new responsibilities on the horizon, Charlie's journey is far from over. But she's already achieved what once seemed impossible: she's found herself again.

"It's all coming together now. I could have sat at home for the last two years, but I didn't. And I'm so glad I didn't."

Charlie is studying AAT Accounting at Hartlepool College of Further Education. For further information about our Accounting courses, view our course pages.