Where does passion begin? For Josh, it all started in a classroom through his vocational aviation program. Having always been curious about aviation, the program proved to be a life changing moment as he discovered a clear path to his future exploring the skies.
The program offered lessons in aviation theory, aircraft systems, meteorology, navigation, and a flight simulation. What started off as curiosity, quickly grew and Josh knew the cockpit was where he wanted to be. During this time, he also joined the Air Cadets, where he gained more exposure to aviation, developing valuable discipline and insight into what it takes to succeed. He was later awarded a scholarship to begin his private pilot licence, further reinforcing his career choice.
The hands‑on training and early successes made it feel achievable and rewarding; the high‑school program and scholarship gave me the practical start I needed, and continuing into the Air Cadet program and intensive courses confirmed that flying was the right direction.
Josh’s journey into aviation was built step by step. From his high school experience, he went on to complete the seven-week Power Pilot Training Course in Regina, which included multiple daily flights and intensive ground school. Along the way, he experienced an array of both milestones and challenges, including his first solo flight and having to retake, and pass, a preflight exam.
He later earned his night rating at Harv’s Air and continued building hours across Manitoba and Ontario. To further advance his training, Josh moved to Alberta, where he completed his multi-engine and instrument ratings, that finished with him earning his commercial pilot licence and completing his final exams.
Over the course of his training, Josh also earned several scholarships that helped support his continued pursuit of aviation. In 2023, he was awarded the Power Pilot Scholarship from 170 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, recognizing Air Cadets pursuing their Private Pilot Licence, as well as the Winnipeg Airport Authority (WAA) Queen Elizabeth II Award, presented to a graduate of the St. James-Assiniboia School Division continuing into an aviation-related post-secondary program. In 2024, he received the Manitoba Flying Farmers Scholarship and a one-year membership with the organization, awarded to students actively taking flying lessons. Most recently, Josh was named a recipient of the 2025 Manitoba Aviation Council Scholarship, which supports students enrolled in Manitoba-based flight schools who are pursuing either a Private Pilot Licence or Commercial Pilot Licence.
During his ongoing training, Josh was gaining valuable real-world experience on the ground. He began working at Perimeter on the ramp at 17 years old. Over the course of two and a half years, he worked as a ramp agent, followed by three months as a ramp supervisor. This hands-on experience helped pave the way to his First Officer position in the Dash 8 at 20 years old.
Building his career with Perimeter was a decision he made early on in his training. Josh recognized that the company offered a clear, practical path into aviation. He was able to gain operational experience from his time working on the ground, giving him a greater understanding of airline operations, that also made for a smooth transition into the flight deck.
When asking about his favourite part of the job, he couldn’t pick just one aspect and had this to say:
I really enjoy the challenge of flying into short gravel runways,” he says. “It keeps you sharp and requires precision.
Equally important to him are the relationships he has built along the way.
The people I work with make it feel like a family,” he adds. “There’s a strong sense of teamwork both on the ground and in the cockpit.
For those considering a similar career path, Josh’s experience offers valuable insight. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing opportunities early, apply for scholarships, gain hands‑on experience from work or volunteering.
Working in different roles gives opportunity to learn operations from the ground up.
He also highlights the importance of perseverance, because setbacks are part of the journey. Sometimes retaking exams or overcoming challenges is all part of growth.
The deliberate hours of practice and real‑world experience are what build skill, confidence, and open the door for opportunities to move up.
Josh’s journey truly is the epitome that when you set your mind on a goal, the sky is the limit. He’s at the start of his career, and we can’t wait to see where it takes him. If his story tells us anything, it’s that every opportunity can be valuable with the right mindset. If you’re interested in following a similar path, visit our careers page to explore current opportunities.
