Employer of the Year Award
(250+ employees)

Special Metals Wiggin Ltd (SMW) is a Herefordshire-based alloy manufacturer with a 690-strong workforce. Apprenticeships have been an integral part of SMW’s training and employee development for several years and many of the company’s current staff started their careers as apprentices.

SMW is a member of the Herefordshire Group Training Association (HGTA), a non-profit, employer-owned organisation that aims to fulfil local training needs. With the help of the HGTA, SMW’s apprentice training has become a benchmark to other companies in the local area.

They have developed strong links with local schools to strengthen recruitment levels. The company holds regular industry training days for young people from a wide range of schools and colleges. This often involves plant tours through which young people can get a feel for the industry and look at the different career paths that are available.

SMW also runs a school sponsorship system that aids young people by giving them indirect financial support, technical expertise and development-based prizes.

SMW promotes very participative Apprenticeships, encouraging regular monitoring of progress, appraisals and even professional counselling. In recognition of its best practice approach to Apprenticeship training, SMW has achieved accolades from the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) and Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

Robert Hunt, Personnel Manager at Special Metals Wiggin, who joined the company as a technical apprentice, says:

“Apprenticeships are central to ensuring SMW has a strong, productive workforce. A true testament to our Apprenticeship programme is that 74 of the apprentices trained over the years have stayed on to make a valuable contribution to the business. These are now employed at all levels of SMW - including four who are in the senior management group.”

Philip Round, Chief Executive of the HGTA, says:

“SMW deserves to be seen as a role model to all employers. It is regarded locally as the benchmark for training and SMW staff willingly share their expertise to encourage other employers in the area to engage in staff training.”