From Classroom to Career: Coleg y Cymoedd Engineering Students Progress into Employment

21 August 2026

Life after college is becoming a reality for learners on Coleg y Cymoedd’s Enhanced Engineering Programme, with 66 students progressing towards successful careers through industry placements and employer partnerships.

By completing work placements during college half-term breaks, learners have gained valuable hands-on experience, developed industry-ready skills and built professional relationships with leading employers.

Thanks to Coleg y Cymoedd’s strong partnerships with companies including Al-Met, FSG, GE Aerospace and British Airways, learners have been able to experience real engineering environments while taking their first steps towards rewarding careers.

With demand for skilled engineers continuing to grow, creating clear pathways into engineering careers is essential to equipping the next generation with the skills and experience needed to drive innovation and support economic growth.

One of those long-standing employer partners is Al-Met, a Pontyclun-based precision engineering company that manufactures specialist components for customers across a range of industries. The company has worked with Coleg y Cymoedd for more than a decade, providing work placements and apprenticeship opportunities for learners.

Stephen Williams, Training and Development Lead at Al-Met, began his own career as an apprentice and is passionate about supporting the next generation of engineers.

“The standard of learners coming from Coleg y Cymoedd is exceptionally high. They’re producing world-class components and demonstrating the skills our industry needs. Over the years we’ve recruited 20 apprentices, many of whom have progressed into senior positions within the company. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their development, and we’re always looking at how we can create even more apprenticeship opportunities in the future.”

One learner benefitting from the programme is Bear Morgan from Cilfynydd, who is now an apprentice machinist with Al-Met.

After completing a four-week work placement operating CNC machinery, Bear impressed the team with his commitment, enthusiasm and technical ability, earning an apprenticeship with the company. The role allows him to continue developing the knowledge and practical skills gained through the Enhanced Engineering Programme while building a career in an industry he is passionate about.

“Having the opportunity to work at Al-Met and progress into an apprenticeship has been incredible. I’m now doing a job I really enjoy, and the support I’ve had from both Coleg y Cymoedd and Al-Met has given me the confidence to begin my career in engineering. It’s exciting to be applying what I’ve learned at college while continuing to develop new skills in the workplace.” – Bear Morgan, 18 from Cilfynydd.

Will Brook is the Engineering Work Placement Officer at Coleg y Cymoedd and has spent the past three years helping learners progress into industry by building strong partnerships with employers and matching students with placements that align with their skills and career ambitions.

“We’re incredibly grateful to industry partners like Al-Met for the opportunities they provide our learners and for their continued investment in apprentices. By working together, we’re helping to develop the next generation of skilled engineers and giving young people the experience they need to succeed. Work placements are often where careers begin, giving learners the confidence, experience and connections they need to build the future they want.”

Ready to start your engineering journey? Build the skills for a rewarding engineering career with Coleg y Cymoedd.

If you’re an employer in the engineering industry and would like to find out more about our Enhanced Engineering Programme, please contact our Work Placement Officer, Will Brook – William.Brook@cymoedd.ac.uk