Article | Abletech Mihimihi — Alex Barret

Abletech Mihimihi — Alex Barret

By Team Abletech.nz, 22 May 2019, 4 min read

Alex pivoted from mechanical to software engineering. Similar skills, different industry

Alex is a Technical Consultant at our Wellington office. In 2014 he transferred the processes and methods of mechanical engineering, to software development.

Both career paths use similar skills in critical thinking and problem solving. Alex is still building solutions for people but his work is now faster and more innovative.

In both industries I have to learn fast, and adapt to each project

Alex started learning to code in his role as a qualified mechanical engineer with a mining firm in New Caledonia. When not building structural metallic machines, he was asked to assist with the business processes of quotes, offers and bids. This sparked an interest in the efficacy of software engineering and the speed of online tools.

Alex at Abletech’s headquarters in Wellington

Coding bootcamp

Alex researched the options for learning web development, in a variety of countries. He found coding bootcamps offered all over the world and settled on Enspiral Dev Academy in Wellington. Alex respected the realistic approach of EDA; he had a few questions before enrolling and he liked the honesty of their responses.

Alex says the tech industry is highly innovative and that’s something he’s drawn to. As with mechanical engineering there are phases of work, like identifying needs, researching solutions, planning, prototyping, testing, evaluating and improving. But in tech the iterations come around much faster.

Abletech

Alex was recommended to Abletech by fellow EDA graduate Kendall and has now made Wellington his home. He’s interested in combining his software development skills with a mechanical engineering project some day. He also enjoys Internet of Things projects and has already built a few protoypes.

Life

Born in New Caledonia, Alex grew up in the bilingual capital of Noumea. This is his second stint in New Zealand — he attended Redwood Primary School in Christchurch for a year when he was six.

Eroded limestone islets at Hienghène in New Caledonia. Alex revisiting his school in Christchurch.

Alex graduated with his mechanical engineering degree in France, had an internship in Beijing, China, and did a post graduate year at Cranfield Uni in England.

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China

Last year Alex spent three weeks in Argentina and he has dreams of future travel to Mexico, Japan and Russia. He plays guitar and is learning to play the piano. Alex has also been dancing for 12 years and enjoys Ballroom and Lindy Hop.

Travels in Argentina; at Ushuaia and Iguazú Falls