From Hospitality to Gas Engineering: Julieta’s Apprenticeship Story

Having heard from Tony Day earlier in Apprenticeship Week, we wanted to share a recent conversation we had with Julieta, one of his apprentices at CSD Gas, supported by training at Logic4training.

Julieta is in her early thirties, a single mum with a teenage son. She’s worked most of her life in hospitality, but wanted to find a stable, secure career and to learn some skills that would take her forward in her work. We’ll let her explain:

Julieta: I’ve juggled lots of jobs over the years and moved around a bit too. Just before lockdown I began working as a co-ordinator for a plumbing and gas company and felt comfortable in that environment and with my colleagues. The future was looking good, but sadly I lost that job when lockdown started and spent three years over COVID home-educating my son.

Now he’s decided he’d like to go back to school, I’ve got a bit more time on my hands and as he’s becoming more independent, I’m ready to take my own career plans a bit more seriously.  I was lucky to discover the apprenticeship opportunity that CSD Gas was offering last autumn.

The company had so many applicants for the two positions, and I felt like my interview was a bit of a mess!  But they must have seen something in me – maybe drive and commitment, or perhaps that I have the right the personality for the work.  Anyway, I was thrilled to be chosen and haven’t looked back!

What is it that you’re enjoying most about the work?

Julieta: I love that every day is different and that I’m putting down roots in a career that feels worthwhile. Each job has its own challenges, and I enjoy figuring things out. Before I started, I’d underestimated what I’d been doing. It’s much more interesting than I’d imagined it would be and it’s really great to feel part of a valued team.

The work we do isn’t with appliances as such, we’re involved in moving and re-connecting meters when gas mains are updated, and I love learning from my colleagues, who are all very supportive. There’s a fair bit of banter, but we’re a great team and I give as good as I get.

How does the time you spend with Logic4training fit in with the other work you do?

Julieta: We’re at the training centre one week out of four, which is a great balance. If I was in the classroom all the time, it would be too intense. Sitting still for long periods of time is difficult for me, so I appreciate the variety. Being able to take what we learn at Logic4training out on site is fantastic, it’s so satisfying. I’m beginning to grasp things and put what I’ve learnt in theory into practice.

Everyone at the centre is very helpful. Phil Hickey is our tutor and he’s fantastic!

He constructed the apprenticeship training course, so he’s very familiar with it. He breaks everything down into bite-size pieces and there’s plenty of time to ask questions. We’re a small group – just me and Saad from CSD and another apprentice from another company, so we get lots of attention – and it’s fun, we support each other too.

What are your plans, now you’ve found your feet?

Julieta: Well, I’m four months into my eighteen-month apprenticeship and I absolutely love the company I work for. I’m contracted to work for them for two years once the apprenticeship is up, and I’ll be more than happy to stay.

Long term, I’m interested in developing my skills. This is a great sector to be working in and there’s plenty of opportunity to take engineering in lots of different directions. In the very long term, maybe it would be nice to have my own business, perhaps a company of all-female engineers. Who knows!

What does your son think about what you’re doing?

Julieta: He likes it. He’s happy that I’m enjoying learning and working at something I feel is worthwhile. Yes, I’d say he’s proud of me and that’s really nice.

Julieta’s career change shows how apprenticeships can reshape careers and offer new pathways for those seeking fresh starts while emphasising the crucial role of supportive training environments in the trades industry.

Learning through apprenticeships provides a wide range of advantages—immersive, hands-on training that leads to industry skills that last for life, as well as financial support through paid learning. These programmes act as a bridge, addressing shortages in trades like gas engineering while carving out a steady, fulfilling career for individuals eager to enter the industry.

Expanding representation within the trades remains essential. Welcoming more women into the trades industry fosters greater inclusivity and strengthens the workforce, ensuring that surging demands for expertise are met with a broader and more diverse talent pool.

Julieta’s experience demonstrates how apprenticeships cultivate technical ability, drive personal development, and pave the way for lasting career success.  Her journey stands as an encouraging testament for anyone who is thinking of taking a similar path in the skilled trades.

If you are looking to hire an apprentice to grow your workforce, learn more here.