Veteran to Gas Engineer: How Pete Matthews Built a Trades Business After 23 Years in the Military
In Season 6, Episode 4 of Off The Job: A Tradesman Podcast, hosts Pete and Keiran are joined by Pete Matthews, a former infantry soldier who served 23 years in the British Army before retraining as a self-employed gas engineer.
Pete shares his powerful journey from combat zones to boiler installs—covering everything from surviving IEDs and mortar attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan, to adapting to civilian life and launching his own heating business during the pandemic. He opens up about how military discipline, mental resilience, and tactical thinking helped him fast-track his gas qualifications and grow a successful business.
This episode covers:
🔧 Using military training grants to retrain in the trades
🎯 The mindset shift from Army life to self-employment
🛠️ Fast-tracking gas safe qualifications & building a portfolio
💥 Stories from Iraq, Afghanistan & a helicopter crash
📈 Why continuous learning and networking fuel trade success
💬 The value of mental strength and humour in high-pressure work
Whether you’re a veteran looking to retrain, a gas engineer wanting inspiration, or someone exploring a new career in the trades—Pete’s story is a must-listen.
🎙 Off The Job: A Tradesman Podcast – Season 6
📣 Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/
💥 Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/
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⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead.
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Off The Job: A Tradesman Podcast
Welcome to 'Off The Job: A Tradesman Podcast,' the ultimate destination for tradespeople across the UK, hosted by Keiran Yates and Pete Withers (Tradie Tales aka Plumber Tales). This podcast is a toolbox of insights, humour, and real-life stories from the heart of the trades industry.
Each episode of 'Off The Job' is crafted with the tradesperson in mind, whether you're a Gas Engineer, Plumber, Electrician, or just passionate about the trade world. Our hosts, Keiran and Pete, bring their unique perspectives and humour to the table, making every discussion engaging and relatable.
What sets 'Off The Job' apart is its blend of entertainment and education. We dive into industry trends, offer practical advice, and share stories that resonate with anyone in the trades. Our guests range from seasoned professionals to new faces in the industry, each bringing their unique experiences and insights.
'Off The Job' is more than just a podcast; it's a community where tradespeople can come together to learn, laugh, and connect. Whether you're on the job site or relaxing at home, our podcast is the perfect companion to your day.
Stay updated with the latest in the trades, get a good laugh, and maybe learn something new along the way. Subscribe to 'Off The Job: A Trade Podcast' on Apple Podcasts and join our community of hardworking, fun-loving tradespeople today!
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