Humility George Bradley – engineering a naval career
L ieutenant George Bradley (14119) set sail for the Navy – and the University of Auckland – in search of an engineering career. Today, the College Old Boy is a Marine Engineering Officer under training, having completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics. Most recently, George, 25, has been based in Canada after being posted to HMNZS Te Mana , an Anzac Class frigate undergoing an upgrade in North America. Responsible for the propulsion, cooling, HVAC, power generation and distribution, waste, aviation and damage control systems on naval ships, George has also been navigating his way around a new
base in British Columbia and the disruptions of Covid-19. A visit to Christ’s College by a recruiter set George firmly on a naval course. “During the pitch, the recruiter mentioned the Navy scholarship scheme. Combined with my interest in sailing and naval history, all the pieces fell into place,” George says. “I joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2015 after applying in Year 13. I entered basic training – a six-month course – in July. I then started at the University of Auckland full-time in 2016 studying Mechatronics Engineering. I was being paid as a naval midshipman – a pretty sweet deal for a
university student. During the semester breaks, I would work in various Navy organisations and on board ships to gain both naval and engineering experience.” George made the most of his dual roles, recalling that “it was awesome watching my coding and programming at university come to life to control cars, drones and robotic arms” while also enjoying a taste of naval life. Today, he credits College for his ability to manage both his naval commitments and studies. “I learnt a lot about how to manage my time at College, particularly in order to let me participate in co-curricular
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