Engineering careers should be for everyone, says Worcester Bosch CEO

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 Birmingham City University (BCU).

Carl Arntzen (pictured), who received his accolade from new BCU Chancellor Ade Adepitan at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall yesterday, believes the profession benefits from having a diverse workforce.

“Engineering has been traditionally male dominated, but we need to break the barriers down,” said Carl.

“The engineering fraternity is missing out on great talent. Women bring a different dimension. They think differently – and that’s really healthy to have.”

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 Women in Engineering movement across the globe.

He is also heavily involved with the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology (IoT),

“I’ve always been really keen to make sure that we expand the opportunities for careers in engineering, particularly to women and minority groups,” he said,

“We try to do that at Worcester Bosch, and I try to do that in other ways, too.

“The IoT shares this dedication to inclusion, and I’m glad to say that BCU is playing an active role in championing those causes.”

Carl, who began his career at Worcester Bosch as a 20-year-old intern, says the promotion of careers in engineering must begin early.

“It 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,” he said.

“The 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.”

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.

“Students leaving university need to be ‘work ready’, but the workplace is evolving all the time, so universities must understand employers’ needs and requirements,” said Carl, who studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham.

Finally, Carl has this advice for students looking to make their mark in the world: “Push the boundaries, champion change and be the catalyst for new initiatives. And remember, learn from your mistakes.”