Experience

I embarked on my engineering journey in 1997 as an Apprentice Toolmaker at Barry Engineering in Mauritius. This pivotal experience marked the inception of my mechanical engineering career and imparted invaluable knowledge. Throughout my apprenticeship, I absorbed essential skills such as reading technical drawings, crafting precision tools and fixtures, operating and maintaining various machinery, meticulous measurement and inspection techniques, material selection, intricate tool assembly, and adept troubleshooting. I maintained meticulous documentation, prioritized safety and compliance, fostered effective communication within my team, and remained dedicated to continuous learning. In addition to my work, I pursued education at the Industrial and Vocational Training Board of Mauritius, earning a National Trade Certificate Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice. This educational foundation deepened my understanding of mechanical engineering principles and expanded my technical expertise. In summary, my time as an Apprentice Toolmaker and my commitment to ongoing learning has solidified my position in the field of mechanical engineering, where I continue to evolve and thrive. 

The Industrial and Vocational Board of Mauritius (IVTB) has been instrumental in shaping my career, and I take great pride in achieving my National Trade Certificate Level 2 in Industrial Machine Maintenance through their program in 2002. This certification has been a cornerstone, opening doors to numerous opportunities and providing me with a strong foundation in the maintenance field. During my tenure as a Maintenance Apprentice with Air Mauritius, facilitated by the IVTB, I had the privilege of gaining hands-on experience that offered invaluable insights into aviation maintenance. This multifaceted role demanded precision, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Assisting senior technicians in various maintenance tasks, I actively participated in the repair, inspection, and upkeep of aircraft, confronting real-world challenges that honed my problem-solving skills. Routine inspections were a critical facet of my training, emphasizing the importance of compliance with stringent regulatory standards in aviation. Additionally, I delved into the meticulous maintenance of aircraft-specific tools and equipment, recognising the significance of proper care, storage, and organization. Safety remained paramount throughout, and I meticulously adhered to safety protocols. My academic coursework at IVTB, covering a range of subjects from Information Technology and Maintenance Management to Mechanics and Industrial Electronics, further complemented my apprenticeship, providing the theoretical knowledge needed to understand intricate machine systems and components. In summary, my journey with IVTB certification and training with Air Mauritius has been transformative, not only preparing me for a fulfilling career as a Maintenance Technician but also instilling in me a deep appreciation for precision, teamwork, and safety in the aviation maintenance industry, blending theoretical expertise with practical skills. 

In 2002, when I moved to Australia, my first job was as a Respiratory Technician at the Alfred Hospital. I held a pivotal role within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), ensuring the optimal functioning of all respiratory equipment crucial for patient care. My primary responsibilities encompassed the meticulous maintenance, periodic updates, and comprehensive documentation of all respiratory equipment utilized in the ICU. This encompassed an array of devices vital for patient well-being, including ventilators and other essential apparatus. A critical aspect of my role was conducting daily assessments of the ventilators in use, a task that demanded unwavering attention to detail and the ability to swiftly respond to any anomalies, safeguarding the uninterrupted respiratory support of patients under our care. I approached this duty with the utmost commitment, understanding its immediate impact on patient outcomes.

In addition to equipment maintenance, I was responsible for the rigorous cleaning and maintenance of surgical instruments employed within the ICU, as well as in the operating theater. My meticulous approach ensured that all instruments were sterile and fully functional for the safety and well-being of both patients and healthcare providers. I also played a significant role in maintaining a sanitary environment by executing proper cleaning and disinfection procedures for emergency and surgical equipment, minimizing the risk of infections and complications. Throughout my tenure, I adhered to the highest standards of professionalism, recognizing the indispensable role of my position in the provision of quality healthcare at the Alfred Hospital. My commitment to excellence in equipment maintenance and infection control made a substantial contribution to the overall well-being and safety of patients in the ICU and those undergoing surgical procedures.

Between January and May 2003, I had the privilege of contributing to the success of Accurate Profile in Ringwood. In this dynamic five-month period, I served as a Fitter and Turner and fulfilled the role of a CAD Technician. My responsibilities included designing and developing jigs crucial for robot welding processes and showcasing my proficiency in AutoCAD and AutoCAD 3D for precise part design. Beyond digital design, I actively engaged in hands-on manufacturing processes, utilizing lathes and milling machines to meticulously machine parts. This dual proficiency allowed me to seamlessly integrate theoretical design concepts with practical manufacturing applications.

My tenure in 2003 was marked by significant contributions to the optimization of the production process, elevating the company's precision manufacturing capabilities. This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also fortified my ability to bridge the gap between digital design and real-world manufacturing. Accurate Profile in Ringwood provided a transformative experience that continues to resonate in my approach to engineering challenges.

From 2004 to 2006, I embarked on an enriching academic journey at Swinburne University while concurrently gaining valuable real-world experience through part-time employment. During this period, I pursued full-time studies, immersing myself in a diverse range of subjects to broaden my knowledge base and enhance my skill set. Simultaneously, I worked part-time as a security guard and crowd controller, showcasing my commitment to both academics and practical experience. Across various venues in Melbourne, including bars, hotels, restaurants, pokies, and nightclubs, I took on the responsibility of supervising crowd control, emphasizing security and health and safety protocols. A significant highlight of this period was my involvement in a Swinburne University project for Puffing Billy Rail in Victoria. This endeavor allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting. My project focused on the design of a hi-rail car for rail maintenance, demonstrating my ability to bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications. Furthermore, my role involved the transformation of the original hard copy blueprints of Puffing Billy into digital 2D and 3D formats for future reference. This undertaking not only showcased my proficiency in digital design tools but also highlighted my commitment to modernizing traditional processes for increased efficiency and accessibility.

Balancing academic pursuits with part-time employment in the security and crowd control sector provided me with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This dual experience has not only enriched my academic journey but has also equipped me with a holistic understanding of the importance of safety, security, and efficient project management in diverse professional settings. The lessons learned during this period continue to influence my approach to challenges, emphasizing the importance of versatility and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of both academia and the workforce.

Between 2007 and 2017, I served as a contracted Machine Design Engineer, building a diverse portfolio of work across several industries. My primary focus was on designing tooling, jigs, and specialised machinery, with a significant portion of my work dedicated to the cold forming industry. In this role, I utilised my advanced CAD skills and extensive experience in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to design, develop, and rigorously test tooling. I conducted detailed FEA stress analysis and simulated entire manufacturing processes to ensure the highest standards of precision, efficiency, and durability were met.

In addition to my work in cold forming, I also collaborated with companies in the hot rod parts industry, where I was instrumental in designing and producing a wide range of components. These projects often required substantial modifications and the integration of 3D printing technology to create more complex and cost-effective parts. My contributions in this area not only involved enhancing existing designs but also pioneering new approaches to manufacturing that allowed us to produce highly intricate and customised components. This period marked a significant chapter in my career, where I honed my skills in both traditional and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, delivering innovative solutions across a variety of engineering challenges.

Between 2017 and 2023, I transitioned into the additive manufacturing industry, where I gained significant expertise and experience. My journey in this field was greatly influenced by my time at KAD3D in Melbourne, which provided me with the opportunity to deeply immerse myself in the world of 3D printing. At KAD3D, I was involved in designing and manufacturing parts using 3D printing technology, catering to both industrial clients and individual customers. This hands-on experience allowed me to refine my skills in creating complex, high-quality components that met the specific needs of various industries.

In addition to honing my technical abilities, I also expanded my expertise in sales and consultancy within the additive manufacturing sector. I played a crucial role in advising clients on the best 3D printing solutions for their projects, helping them understand the advantages of additive manufacturing and how it could be applied to enhance their products and processes. This period marked a pivotal point in my career, as I not only developed a deep understanding of the technology but also became proficient in guiding others through the adoption and implementation of 3D printing, contributing to the growth and innovation of the industry.

From 2023 to 2024, I embarked on an exciting new chapter in my career by founding ORIUS3D, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive additive manufacturing solutions to individuals, industries, and educational institutions. ORIUS3D quickly became a platform through which I could not only showcase the transformative potential of 3D printing but also directly engage with a diverse range of clients and students.

A particularly fulfilling aspect of this period was the series of workshops I conducted across the Indian Ocean, where I promoted and demonstrated the capabilities of additive manufacturing to various industries. However, it was my collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre in Mauritius that truly stood out as a highlight. I had the incredible opportunity to design and lead STEM workshops for high school students, introducing them to the world of 3D printing and empowering them to bring their ideas to life through hands-on experience. Watching these students design and print their own creations was not only inspiring but also deeply rewarding.

This experience was instrumental in shaping the future direction of ORIUS3D, as I realised the immense value of integrating STEM education into the company’s mission. It became clear that ORIUS3D could play a pivotal role in fostering a new generation of innovators by providing educational facilities with the tools and knowledge to promote science, technology, engineering, and maths. This period was not just professionally significant; it was immensely enjoyable, blending creativity, education, and technology in a way that was both fun and impactful. ORIUS3D is now firmly positioned to continue advancing STEM education, helping to inspire and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.