Currently living in the Blue Mountains, Mr Caldwell works at Lithgow Small Arms Factory for Thales Australia as the sole materials engineer. Lithgow Arms designs, manufactures, tests and refurbishes military weapons for the Australian Defence Force and more recently, rifles for civilian use. 

Mr Caldwell completed his four year Bachelor of Engineering majoring in Materials in December last year. He was thrilled to receive the BlueScope Materials Prize, Materials Engineering Poster Prize, Best performance in fourth year material engineering subjects and a Weld Australia prize at the university’s prize night on Friday, May 25.

Mr Caldwell encouraged Eden Marine High students to consider a degree in engineering as he said STEM careers, particularly engineering are well sought after.

“It is my opinion that young people from rural areas bring unique skills and enthusiasm to the university environment which can be highly sought after in STEM careers, particularly engineering,” he said.

Mr Caldwell said the workload of his degree was intense, “but you gradually become more independent in the way you do things and it becomes easier in that sense”. 

For students looking into their future, Mr Caldwell kindly offers advice and encourages students get in contact, rowan.caldwell@thalesgroup.com.au

“If you’re unsure, challenge yourself because you’re probably heading in the right direction. Always be the one to ask the dumb question when no one else will and finally, appreciate that your education, your career and your future are now your responsibility,” he said.