The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) welcomed partners, stakeholders and supporters to its Celebration Event on 23 June, bringing together colleagues from across education and industry to recognise the achievements, partnerships and successes that continue to shape the Institute’s future.
Hosted at the GBSIoT Hub, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the renewal of the Institute of Technology licence and to thank the many organisations and individuals whose commitment, collaboration and support have contributed to GBSIoT’s continued success.
A highlight of the afternoon was the opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution of outgoing Chair, Carl Arntzen, former CEO of Worcester Bosch, who will retire from the GBSIoT Board in July after serving the organisation since its inception.
Carl was presented with a commemorative gift by Darran Marks, Operations Director of GBSIoT, in recognition of his leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to the Institute over many years. It was inspiring to hear Carl reflect on his career journey, sharing how he began on a four-year “thin sandwich” degree programme, combining periods of academic study with practical industry experience, before going on to build a remarkable 40-year career with Worcester Bosch.
Throughout his time as Chair, Carl has been a passionate advocate for technical education and skills development, championing opportunities for people from all backgrounds to access rewarding careers in engineering and manufacturing. His commitment to widening participation and ensuring that talent can thrive regardless of gender or ethnicity has been a defining feature of his leadership.
The event also celebrated GBSIoT’s success at the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2025, where learners achieved both Gold and Bronze medals in November 2025. Guests gathered for the unveiling of framed medals, providing a lasting reminder of the exceptional accomplishments achieved on the national stage. We were delighted to have both Gold and Bronze medalists in attendance at the event. Joe Blackman, James Baker, and Ashraf Ali Khan Royalpet.
The success reflects not only the dedication and talent of the competitors themselves, but also the commitment of the staff who supported them throughout their WorldSkills journey. Special recognition was given to Peter and Mairi, whose hard work, expertise and encouragement helped make these achievements possible.
Adding further significance to the occasion, the event took place on International Women in Engineering Day, providing an opportunity to celebrate the women making a difference across engineering, manufacturing and technology.
The day served as a reminder of the importance of creating pathways into engineering careers for everyone. This message closely reflected Carl’s long-standing passion for widening participation in the sector and ensuring that opportunities are accessible regardless of gender or ethnicity. While engineering and manufacturing continue to work towards greater diversity, the talented women already succeeding within the profession are helping to inspire future generations and demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available.
Institutes of Technology play a vital role in raising aspirations, developing industry-relevant skills and opening doors to rewarding careers. Through strong partnerships between education providers and employers, GBSIoT continues to support the development of a diverse and highly skilled workforce for the future.
The Celebration Event was a fitting opportunity to recognise collective success, thank those who have contributed to GBSIoT’s journey, and look ahead with confidence to the next chapter of growth and achievement.
