Meet Bartle Rautenbach, Engineering Technician

Bartle Rautenbach (affectionately referred to by his colleagues as Oom Bartle) was born in Usakos, a small town on the banks of the Khan River in the Erongo Region. He joined the Lithon office in Swakopmund (just 140 km away from his birthplace) in January 2009 at the peak of his career – one that has included a stretch as a physical education teacher. 

A proud father and grandfather, Bartle is passionate about motorbikes, 80s rock music, his country and its people. And according to a close colleague, this positive, no-nonsense guy is “the person we’d all like to be when we get older.” We chatted to Bartle recently to find out more about what his role as an engineering technician involves and what advice he has for future generations of engineers. Here’s what he had to say. 

What does your average day look like?

As a civil engineering technician, my time is spent designing civil engineering services – roads and stormwater, water, and sewer reticulation networks etc. – and putting together engineering drawings for them. I also spend a good portion of my day finding solutions for unique site conditions and during the construction phase of a project, I’m responsible for site supervision.

What are some of the challenges you experience in your role?

Finding the most cost effective design and layout for civil services.

What do you enjoy most about working at Lithon?

It’s a real pleasure working with a group of people who are always eager to help.

What has been a career highlight for you?

There have been several during my time at Lithon, but ultimately, any project that ends with a successful construction is a highlight for me.

What advice, gained from your years in the industry, would you like to pass on to Lithon’s junior engineers?

Two things immediately come to mind: never stop learning and enjoy what you do.

What are the words you live by?

 “Rejoice in the Lord always!” (Philippians 4:4)

What is something your colleagues don’t know about you?

I love the Asterix and Obelix comics.

How do you spend your time when you’re not at the office?

I really enjoy fishing. And when I’m home, you’ll usually find me working on something in my man cave (aka the garage).