Reuben Caldwell

Mechanics More Than 'Just Cars'.

"With mechanics", muses Reuben Caldwell, "people think cars and garages, but actually that's a very small area. Mechanics service cars, mechanical engineers design them."

Reuben grew up on a potato farm in Edendale, "surrounded by machinery and moving things." He achieved well in maths, science, graphic design and workshop and initially enrolled in an engineering degree at university, but was turned off by the learning environment.

"A lot of people say you go (and) get your degree, then enter the workforce and have to start again from scratch because the training was so theory based." Otago Polytechnic – with "its more hands-on experience" – suited him perfectly. For two years he enjoyed the close contact with teachers and practical examples of formulas and equations, graduating in 2006 with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Level 6).

As soon as his course was complete, Reuben was offered a position as an engineering technician at Farra Fabrication. The 'concept – expand – solution' process he learnt at Otago Polytechnic applies daily as Reuben is responsible for overseeing a project from start to finish – from the drawing up and pricing of a job, to the supervision and management of it, ordering the materials and delivery of the fabricated item to the client.

The next goal for Reuben is to design "possibly farm machinery" and he is investigating a Bachelor of Technology through Otago Polytechnic. In the meantime he keeps busy with a second job as a housemaster at John McGlashan College, and his motorbike and jet skis. And despite his not being a "mechanic" should they break down, Reuben admits that his mechanical mind would have to attempt to fix these himself before paying anyone else to do it!