It’s Tomorrow’s Engineering Week, and we’re celebrating by sharing the story of one of our brilliant apprentices, Joshua Coules, who’s recently been named Overall Apprentice of the Year. His journey with Roadgas and shows just how rewarding a career in engineering can be.
Earlier this year, Joshua, who completed a Maintenance Operations and Engineering Technician Apprenticeship while working with Roadgas, was named Overall Apprentice of the Year at our Nottingham College Apprenticeship Awards 2025.
We caught up with Joshua to find out more about his apprenticeship experience and what the award means to him.
Could you tell us about your apprenticeship and why you chose it?
The course was called Maintenance Operations and Engineering Technician Apprenticeship. I chose it because I’ve always been interested in hands-on, practical work, and I wanted to develop specialist technical skills that would set me up for a strong career in engineering. An apprenticeship felt like the best route because it allowed me to learn on the job, gain real-world experience, and apply the theory I was studying straight into practice.
How have the tutors and employers supported you throughout your apprenticeship?
Both my tutors and my employers have been incredibly supportive. My tutor Richard at Nottingham College made sure I understood the technical aspects of the course and was always available to give extra help if I needed it. My employers gave me the chance to put those skills into practice, while also encouraging me to take on new challenges and build my confidence. Having that balance of academic support and workplace mentoring has been key to my progress. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them!
How did you feel when you found out you’d won?
I was absolutely thrilled and a little bit shocked when I found out I’d won ‘Overall Apprentice of the Year’. It felt amazing to know that all the hard work, dedication, and late nights studying had paid off. Winning the award gave me a real sense of pride and achievement, and it has motivated me to keep pushing myself in my career.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship over other options?
My advice would be to go for it! An apprenticeship gives you the chance to earn while you learn, which means you come out with valuable skills and experience that employers are looking for. You’re not just learning from books—you’re applying your knowledge every day and developing practical skills that really matter in the workplace. It’s a fantastic way to get a head start in your career, and I’d recommend it to everyone!
Want to find out more about the apprenticeships we offer? Learn more
