A £15 million high value engineering (HiVE) facility has officially opened in Ebbw Vale, aiming to tackle Wales’ pressing skills shortage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Developed through a partnership between Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and Coleg Gwent, the facility is funded by the UK Government via its Levelling Up and Shared Prosperity Funds, alongside the Welsh Government’s Tech Valleys programme.

The purpose-built 21,808 sq ft site, constructed on the former Monwel Hankinson factory, features robotics, advanced manufacturing technologies, and immersive digital tools. Designed to support both young learners and industry, HiVE aims to create a pipeline of highly skilled engineers and technicians for sectors including robotics, aerospace, automotive, motorsport, and advanced materials manufacturing.

Wales faces a significant STEM talent shortfall. The region requires roughly 1,000 new STEM professionals annually, yet only around 600 graduates transitioned into these roles in 2023. In the Cardiff Capital Region alone, the advanced materials and manufacturing sector reports a 21% skills gap, the highest of any sector in Wales.

By providing hands-on training and access to state-of-the-art technologies, HiVE addresses both educational and industry needs. Students at Coleg Gwent will gain practical experience aligned with the requirements of modern manufacturing and engineering roles, while businesses will benefit from a local talent pool trained to meet the demands of high-value, technologically advanced industries.

The initiative represents a strategic effort to future-proof Wales’ workforce and strengthen the region’s competitiveness in advanced manufacturing. By combining government support, education, and industry partnerships, HiVE aims to reduce the STEM skills deficit and ensure a steady flow of qualified professionals ready to drive innovation across key sectors.

Discover how the HiVE facility is equipping the next generation of engineers to tackle Wales’ critical STEM skills shortage and support the growth of advanced manufacturing.