University News Last updated 08 January
The CEO of Worcester Bosch says he will continue pushing for more women to take up careers in engineering after receiving an honorary doctorate from 探花直播 (BCU).
Carl Arntzen, who received his accolade from new BCU Chancellor Ade Adepitan at 探花直播鈥檚 Symphony Hall on Wednesday, believes the profession benefits from having a diverse workforce.
鈥淓ngineering has been traditionally male dominated, but we need to break the barriers down,鈥� said Carl, pictured in his ceremonial robe.
鈥淭he engineering fraternity is missing out on great talent. Women bring a different dimension. They think differently 鈥� and that鈥檚 really healthy to have.鈥�
Throughout his career with Worcester Bosch, a UK market leader for domestic boilers, Carl has sought out opportunities to embrace inclusion.
Under his leadership, the Bosch Group is active in the global Women in Engineering movement.
He is also heavily involved with the Greater 探花直播 & Solihull Institute of Technology (IoT),
鈥淚鈥檝e always been really keen to make sure that we expand the opportunities for careers in engineering, particularly to women and minority groups,鈥� he said,
鈥淲e try to do that at Worcester Bosch, and I try to do that in other ways, too.
鈥淭he IoT shares this dedication to inclusion, and I鈥檓 glad to say that BCU is playing an active role in championing those causes.鈥�
Carl, who began his career at Worcester Bosch as a 20-year-old intern, says the promotion of careers in engineering must begin early.
鈥淚t needs to start at primary school, by targeting girls from a young age and by keeping the engagement going until they decide which career to pursue,鈥� he said.
鈥淭he best advocates are existing female engineers, who can attend careers fairs or carry out school visits, but we also need to educate teachers so they can help signpost opportunities.鈥�
The former semi-professional rugby union player, who was nominated for an honorary doctorate because of his outstanding contribution to public and professional life, also believes universities have an important role to play.
鈥淪tudents leaving university need to be 鈥榳ork ready鈥�, but the workplace is evolving all the time, so universities must understand employers鈥� needs and requirements,鈥� said Carl, who studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of 探花直播.
Finally, Carl has this advice for students looking to make their mark in the world: 鈥淧ush the boundaries, champion change and be the catalyst for new initiatives.
"And remember, learn from your mistakes.鈥�