Up Close … with professional engineer and loving father Nicole Lajoie |23 January 2018

‘I always wanted to know how things work’

Accomplished Nicole Steven Lajoie is a mechanical engineer born and bred in Seychelles. He spent most of his childhood in the Point Larue district where he still resides.

Nicole’s heart and mind was always in engineering and he started his journey to greatness from a young age. He grew up in a female dominant household and as a result he spends most of his time building things.

The work of an engineer is to apply the theories and principles of sciences and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems. Currently Nicole is working at the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) as a mechanical engineer, overseeing maintenance of and servicing diesel engine generator sets and its auxiliaries.

Engineers make things happen. Most of today’s products and services have an engineering component, enabling us to enjoy longer, healthier, more comfortable and fulfilling lives.

The work of engineers has a huge impact on our lives, which enables Nicole to enhance his knowledge in such difficult sector and overcome all obstacles in his path.

In our Up Close column this week the mechanical engineer talks about his childhood, professional life as an engineer, social life, family and friends.

Childhood memories

Only 32 years old, Nicole was born on June 12, 1985. He was brought up by his father Jack Lajoie, a Chef aboard tuna vessels and his mother Jocelyn Lajoie, one of the first police women in Seychelles.

He grew up in the district of Pointe Larue in a friendly neighbourhood, surrounded by a loving family.

He attended primary and secondary school at Pointe Larue, and then followed his post-secondary education at the Seychelles Polytechnic where he spent three years. He came out among the best of his class.  

“My childhood was fun and simple because back then we did not have much in the way of technology. So I was a very inquisitive boy, I always wanted to know how things work, I would dismantle and rebuild things, go fishing, I would build my own toys like wooden karts using my imagination and intelligence and a result this allowed me to self-develop and grow,” says Nicole.

Nicole discovered his love for physics and mathematics during his secondary schooling.

“It was not easy growing up being the youngest in the family, I was bullied for being a nerd but it was worth it. Before there was no technology which was an advantage and it allowed me to concentrate more on the physical such as going fishing, dismantling things. Always wanting to see how things work had its advantages as it gave me the chance to self-develop,” Nicole says.

Growing up and becoming a role model for his son, Nicole had a very strong mother Jocelyn Lajoie, who helped him to become successful in life.

“My role model is my mum as I admire her strength and patience in life. She was one of the first police women in Seychelles. Raising me and my siblings was tough for her in the absence of my father who was working as a chef on a tuna vessel,” he says.

Professional life as an engineer

Curiosity and a desire for challenges influenced Nicole’s decision to become an engineer, for neither his parents nor his immediate environment had a technical orientation.

“Originally, I had absolutely no affinity for engineering; I discovered my passion when I reached secondary school and started to appreciate physics and mathematics. I have never regretted my decision to study engineering. When you want to know how things really work, study them when they're coming apart,” he says.

For almost 13 years working at PUC, Nicole has never regretted taking such a path because he believes that engineering is a gift.

“After polytechnic internship, two weeks at the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) currently known as the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), then I started at PUC as engineering tradesman. At first working at PUC was very challenging, with the odd hours, I had to make a lot of sacrifices and work on public holidays. But after five long years, I was promoted to technician and did my highest National Degree in Mechanical and Electrical engineering at the Seychelles Technology of Institute (SIT),” he says.

After completing the two-year course at SIT, Nicole was promoted to supervisor, and attended multiple trainings in India, Finland and locally.

“After 13 years at PUC, I was promoted to mechanical engineer which is currently my current post. I work in electricity production and oversee maintenance and servicing of diesel engine generator sets and its auxiliaries. I sometimes commute to Praslin as acting station engineer and every six weeks we have a rota whereby we manage the Baie Ste Anne station because of a lack of station engineers,” Nicole says.

Interest and social life

Besides being a talented engineer, Nicole also has a passion for motorcycles and the environment.

“I have a passion for motorcycles and I love the beach where I can relax and reflect on my life.  When I am at home, I try my best to switch off from work and spend as much time with my devoted family. I consider myself as a spiritual person and I make sure that I stay in touch with my Creator, who provides everything,” he says.

Family and friends

Throughout his childhood, education and engineering career, Nicole has had her friends and family supporting him along the way, giving him all the help he needed to succeed.

“I have an extended family who all have strong character and each passionate about different things be it agriculture, music, art, with my mother being the heart and soul of our family. They inspire me to do what I feel passionate about and have taught me that hard work will get you a long way,” Nicole says.

He is also thankful to his family for giving him all the support he needs.

 “I am thankful to my patient and loving brother and sisters, who always were present when I needed them the most. Also my loving girlfriend and my son Aiden for being by my side,” he says.

Final thought

As parting note, Nicole says: “You will fall but always get back on your feet and be persistent. Good things never come easy, success is an ongoing process, and like my father once said ‘a bird never builds its nest in one day’, so you have to be consistent.”

 By U-Roy Jules