Josh sat down with Ryan to talk through his journey into building services engineering and how he ended up working at the University of Glasgow.

What stands out about Ryan’s story is that it isn’t a straight line. He didn’t think engineering was for him at school, spent time working in an admin job, and only found his way into the industry after being given an opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship. From there, it became a process of learning, grafting, and figuring things out step by step through college, university and on the job experience.

This conversation challenges the idea that there is one route into engineering. Ryan talks openly about not being naturally academic, having to work at subjects like maths, and realising that engineering is just as much about communication, problem solving and mindset as it is about technical ability.

They also explore what building services engineering actually is, using a simple way of thinking about it. If architecture is the body and structure is the bones, then building services are the arteries that keep everything running. It is the side of engineering most people do not see, but it is fundamental to how buildings operate and how we move towards a more sustainable future.

If you are unsure where you fit, questioning your next step, or think engineering is not for you, this episode offers a different perspective on what a career in engineering can look like.

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John Kraus joins The Engineer a Career Podcast to explore what engineering needs to become if it is going to meet the challenges of the future.

John is the CEO of Engineers Without Borders UK and has built a career across policy, climate and the built environment.

Although not an engineer by background, his work is focused on one clear mission: helping engineering create better outcomes for people and the planet.

In this episode, we explore what global responsibility means for engineers, why more students are looking for purposeful careers, how engineering education needs to evolve and why individual engineers have the power to challenge how things are done.

We also dive into topics like doughnut economics, regenerative thinking and how engineering can move beyond solving problems to shaping a better future.

This is a thoughtful conversation for engineering students, graduates and professionals who care about where engineering is heading and the role they can play in it.

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Engineering careers are often framed as a simple question: apprenticeship or university?

But what if that’s the wrong debate?

In this solo episode of The Engineer a Career Podcast, Josh explores why engineering has never relied on a single pathway and why the real challenge facing the profession isn’t which route people choose, but how effectively we transfer knowledge to the next generation.

From the strengths of apprenticeships and the value of university environments, to the growing demand from students for real world experience, this episode looks at how different learning styles shape engineering careers and why industry must think more seriously about internships, placements, and early exposure to real engineering work.

Drawing on his own experience, family background in apprenticeships, and conversations with students across universities and colleges, Josh asks a simple question:

Are we focusing too much on the route, and not enough on the system that connects education to industry?

If you are a student considering engineering, an educator guiding the next generation, or an organisation thinking about early career talent, this episode explores why engineering needs every pathway.

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LinkedIn: @engineeracareer

Instagram: @engineeracareer

TikTok: @engineer.a.career

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Website: www.engineeracareer.co.uk