Avern Athol-Webb obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering in 2013. He initiated his career journey with a major South African appliance manufacturer, a subsidiary of a multinational corporation. Initially, he served as a process engineer and later assumed the role of process engineering manager. His responsibilities encompassed overseeing capex processes for substantial equipment acquisitions, sourcing production machinery, managing long-term capex planning, and ensuring that the three factories possessed the necessary capital equipment to meet their production capacity goals.
Following his industry experience, Avern ventured back into academia, where he worked as a lecturer and eventually as a Programme Coordinator at his alma mater, UKZN. During this tenure, he delivered lectures on subjects like drawing, Manufacturing Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Systems. He also became well-versed in 3D printing and AI systems. Furthermore, he played a vital role in ensuring that the degree programs met the academic standards set by the National Governing Body for Engineering in South Africa. Avern continues to serve as an external examiner for the institution.
Upon relocating to Canterbury, New Zealand, Avern embarked on a new chapter in the industry, specializing in the design and manufacturing of industrial equipment for air pollution control and sustainability.