About two years ago, Mr Gray’s knees were so "had it" he could not climb up and down ladders any more. He was about to put down his tools at DBC Building Services in Dunedin, when his manager Donn Casey suggested a new career path.
"If it weren’t for 3-D modelling I wouldn’t be carrying on today, because the work as a welder is so physical," Mr Gray said.
"It cuts down on so much of the work. Previously, I could spend days drawing up a project. Now 3-D printing and building information modelling [Bim] takes away so much of that paperwork."
Mr Gray has worked for a variety of companies since he began his welding career more than 40 years ago after previously working as a linesman and fitter.
"You’ve got to be very good with your hands as a welder, and be able to read plans.
"I’ve always been a visual person; I can see things better than I can write them down.
"Some of the jobs probably have 85% of the pipework all sported up, with between 10 and 20% welding done on site."
Mr Gray said the workshop was well-established.
"You can save a lot of time pre-fabricating work on site. You also save a lot of money.
"It means I don’t have to clamber around work sites like I used to."
He believes 3-D modelling has kept him in the job for at least another two to three years — he works 10-hour days, three days a week.
"They’ve got some younger guys coming through the firm, so that keeps me interested as well.
"But you do it because you love it. There’s something really satisfying knowing you’ve made something at the end of the day."
Mr Gray’s story will also be shared at the Future of Health and Safety conference in Christchurch on Thursday next week.
