PEMBROKESHIRE-based Ledwood Engineering is celebrating the achievements of its apprentices while encouraging the next generation to consider a future in engineering.

With a strong track record in delivering complex engineering solutions across the UK’s energy and industrial sectors, Ledwood has long placed apprenticeships at the heart of its workforce strategy. This year, the company is proud to highlight two rising stars – Albie Elliott and Josh Axon – whose journeys demonstrate the opportunities available through apprenticeships.

Albie Elliott has recently completed his Welding Apprenticeship and is now working as a qualified welder on one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects, Hinkley Point C. His progression from apprentice to site welder reflects both personal dedication and the strength of Ledwood’s training programmes.

Combining practical site experience with college learning, Albie developed specialist fabrication and welding skills while gaining industry-recognised qualifications. Albie recently won the Apprentice of the year award from Pembrokeshire college, and is now contributing to the construction of Hinkley Point C, one of Europe’s largest nuclear new build projects. He represents the tangible outcomes of investing in local talent.

Josh Axon joined Ledwood in September 2022 as an Apprentice Engineer and is due to complete his programme in July 2026. Now in the final year of his Engineering degree, Josh is also working on-site at Hinkley Point C, applying academic knowledge to real-world challenges. His pathway highlights the breadth of opportunity available, blending higher education with hands-on experience in a complex, high-profile environment.

Alongside those progressing onto national projects, Ledwood is equally proud of the apprentices developing their skills within its Pembrokeshire workshop.

The company welcomed two first-year apprentices in September 2025: Harrison Price (Apprentice Plater) and Neo Mogford (Apprentice Pipefitter). They join a strong second-year Level 3 group who began in September 2024: Aidan Brown (Apprentice Plater), Jayden Morgan (Apprentice Pipefitter), Mason Aitchinson (Apprentice Welder), along with Charlie Duignan, who started his Welding Apprenticeship Level 2 in 2023 and now in his first year of level 3.

Together, they are gaining hands-on experience in fabrication, plating, pipefitting and welding, supported by experienced mentors and structured college learning. Their development reflects Ledwood’s commitment to building a sustainable local skills base in West Wales.

The long-term impact of that commitment is illustrated by Ashley James, who completed his Plating Apprenticeship in 2019. Recognising his potential, Ledwood sponsored him to continue his studies in Mechanical Engineering. Ashley is now in the final year of his degree while remaining a key member of the company’s core workshop team. His journey demonstrates how apprenticeships can open doors not only to skilled trades, but also to higher education and career progression within the business.

For Ledwood, apprentices are not just trainees, they are the future of the company. Programmes are designed to nurture talent from the ground up, offering structured training, mentorship and clear progression routes into permanent roles across workshop and site operations.

As demand continues to grow across the UK’s energy and infrastructure sectors, Ledwood has used National Apprenticeship Week to highlight career opportunities, offering the chance to contribute to projects that will help power the UK for generations.

At a time when engineering skills are in high demand, Ledwood’s message is clear: apprenticeships are a first-class route into a rewarding, long-term career - strengthening both the business and the wider West Wales community.