Jules Stent chose to study a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Mechanical) at Otago Polytechnic because it satisfied his hands-on, practical inclinations, while also providing plenty of challenges and opportunities for growth.

Raised in Southland, Jules left school “quite early”, completed a pre-trade course in Invercargill, then got a job.

“I went down the plumbing route and worked for an Invercargill heating and ventilation company for several years, before deciding I wanted to do something different.”

So he headed to Dunedin to study at Otago Polytechnic.

Jules’ latest engineering project – a solar water heating system utilising a tracking disc – combines aspects of his working background and his academic journey at Otago Polytechnic.

“I’m interested in solar energy and sustainable engineering. I’d done some papers that aligned with my interest and my background in refrigeration technology.

“The reflective disc tracks the sun and enhances the system’s performance,” explains Jules who, having recently presented the project as part of his third-year programme, will graduate in March.

“I have recommended that future students build a full-scale model, perhaps as a commercial prototype.”

On the subject of the future, Jules has recently secured a job as a graduate design engineer at a Dunedin company.

“I have learnt so much in the past three years, much of which has helped answer questions that used to crop up while I was working.”