Wall Colmonoy Limited is marking the tenth anniversary of its bespoke apprenticeship programme, celebrating a decade of sustained investment in engineering skills and advanced manufacturing capability.
Launched in 2015 its Pontardawe headquarters in the Swansea Valley, the programme was designed to build the specialist expertise required to support Wall Colmonoy’s advanced materials and manufacturing operations.
Over the past ten years, it has developed into a structured pathway that spans apprenticeships, higher education and degree-level study in the workplace.
Delivered in collaboration with Coleg Sir Gâr, Neath College and Gower College, alongside Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), the programme creates a clear progression route from further and higher education into advanced manufacturing careers.
Since its inception, Wall Colmonoy has supported 37 apprentices and sponsored higher education students, strengthening technical capability and developing the next generation of talent. In addition, the company hosts university placement students each year.
Wall Colmonoy employs almost 200 people in Wales, with nearly half of its workforce having more than ten years’ service. It said its apprenticeship and education pathway is central to this approach, ensuring critical metallurgical and engineering expertise is developed and retained locally.
The company has continued to invest significantly in advanced technologies, including vacuum precision investment casting, additive manufacturing capability, enhanced metallurgical laboratory facilities and digital process controls. Developing in-house talent remains essential to maintaining these capabilities and strengthening UK manufacturing resilience, the firm said.
In 2026, the company intends to recruit 11 additional employees, including four highly skilled engineering professionals, three graduates and four new apprentices across engineering, IT and machining disciplines.
