Made for Business: Josh Smith’s Apprenticeship Journey

Meet Josh Smith, a 2nd-year Gas Engineering apprentice with Saltire Facilities Management Ltd. Josh’s journey into the trade industry wasn’t a straightforward one, but through his apprenticeship, he’s found a career that truly works for him—and for the business.

Finding the Right Path

Like many young people, Josh wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after school. He had an interest in PE and Computing, but it was a plumbing course that opened his eyes to a career as a Gas Engineer. Working on pipework and fitting bathroom suites confirmed his passion, and with encouragement from his uncle he took the plunge and applied for an apprenticeship.

Discovering Apprenticeships

During his 5th and 6th year of school a careers advisor introduced him to apprenticeships. “I liked the idea of learning on the job while also getting practical experience in college. It felt like the best path for me."

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

For Josh, sitting in a classroom all day wasn’t the right fit. He found it difficult to concentrate on theory-based subjects, and the idea of full-time college or university didn’t appeal to him. An apprenticeship gave him the best of both worlds—a mix of practical, hands-on work and essential theory that he could apply directly on-site.

After submitting his application to Saltire, Josh went through a selection process that included a paper-based aptitude test and a face-to-face interview with two managers. His hard work and determination paid off, and he secured a place as an apprentice.

A Day in the Life of a Gas Engineering Apprentice

Josh’s role is all about real-world experience. His day-to-day work involves:

• Servicing boilers.
• Repairing boiler faults.
• Fitting radiators.
• Carrying out drain-down systems.
• Preparing homes for renovation work.

His typical hours are 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday, giving him a godd work-life balance while learning on the job.

College & On-Site Training

Josh’s apprenticeship follows a structured rotation, with two weeks at college focusing on theory and technical skills, followed by four weeks on-site applying his knowledge to real projects.

In his first year, he built a strong foundation in the industry, learning everything from installing gas pipework to understanding combustion and gas properties—all while prioritising safety. Now in his second year, Josh has progressed to more advanced technical tasks, working with heating appliances, water systems, and everyday kitchen equipment. With fully equipped college workshops featuring working appliances, boilers, and heating systems, he can seamlessly transfer his classroom learning to real-world applications on the job.

Advice for Future Apprentices

Josh’s top tip for anyone considering an apprenticeship “Find something you’re passionate about and enjoy. Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to learn, earn, and build a career in something that truly interests you.”

If you’re thinking about an apprenticeship, now’s the time to take the first step.