In Los Lunas, New Mexico, Wall Colmonoy is building the next generation of skilled furnace operators by launching a three-year Furnace Apprenticeship Program at its Los Lunas facility. In partnership with the University of New Mexico-Valencia, Americas Job Center Los Lunas, and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, this state-funded apprenticeship program is designed to train and develop skilled furnace operators through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
“People know we’re here, but they don’t really know what we do,” says Angelica Ordonez, Human Resources Manager at Wall Colmonoy. “It’s a unique environment—a foundry where we melt metal. When we saw the need to recruit more furnace operators, we partnered with New Mexico Workforce Solutions and UNM-Valencia to build a pipeline of skilled talent."
Training from the Ground Up
Apprentices begin with a rotating schedule during the first year, spending three weeks on the job followed by one week of classroom learning at the UNM-Valencia Workforce Training Center. After the first year, apprentices transition into full-time work, continuing their development across four key areas of furnace oeprations: Charge Making, Processing, Ladle Room, and the Melt Deck.
Apprentices are paid throughout the program and supported with resources such as tuition assistance and wage reimbursement.
“This program puts the company’s future workforce in its own hands,” says Angelica. “We’re training people the way we want them to work—hands-on, dependable, and ready to grow.”
Starting this program at Wall Colmonoy Los Lunas include four individuals: Aaron Martinez, Chris Cox, Adrian Fisher, and Augustine Garcia. Each apprentice brings a unique perspective and motivation to the program.
Aaron Martinez: From Special Products to Furnace Floor
Aaron Martinez joined Wall Colmonoy in January 2024 after being referred by a friend. Eight months later, he applied for the apprenticeship, eager to move from making Nicrobraz® brazing aids in the Special Products department to melting metal at the core of the foundry.
“I want to learn everything I can,” Aaron says. “I never want to be stuck in one place. I want to keep moving forward.”
Now with a house, a growing family, and a strong sense of responsibility, Aaron is determined to make the most of the opportunity. “The school part is challenging, but the math really helps with the charge calculations. I’m learning how things work from the inside out.”
Aaron was the first apprentice to complete the Ladle Room rotation. “Now I take better care of the equipment because I understand what goes into making it. You become a better Furnace Operator when you know what it takes to fix things.”
Christopher Cox: A New Direction
From chef school in Colorado, Christopher Cox has taken a winding path to Wall Colmonoy. But it’s a path that’s brought focus and pride.
Relocating to Los Lunas, Chris found not just a job, but a new beginning. “It’s a tight-knit group here. People respect each other. I ask a lot of questions, and they always help.”
Chris is known for his initiative—taking apart equipment just to see how it works and stepping in to help teammates even if it means pausing his own tasks. “I feel good that someone gave me a chance. I don’t want to let them down.”
“My grandpa showed me how to use my hands,” Chris says. “I wish he was here to see me now.”
Adrian Fisher: Fired up and Focused on the Future
Adrian Fisher joined Wall Colmonoy’s Furnace Apprenticeship Program after learning about the opportunity from Stephanie Gomez at the Americas Job Center Los Lunas. Encouraged to apply due to his strong work ethic and willingness to take on a challenge, Adrian saw the program as a step toward a stable and rewarding career.
Since starting, Adrian has embraced the learning curve, gaining firsthand experience with the skills and responsibilities required to become a Furnace Operator. He particularly enjoys working the night shift, which fits well with his schedule, and values the knowledge-sharing culture on the shop floor—especially from the maintenance team, who regularly take time to explain how the furnace operates.
Balancing work and classroom instruction has been a new experience, but one Adrian is managing well. “When I’m at work, I focus on work. When I’m at school, I focus on school,” he says. Despite initial doubts about the academic portion, he’s found it more manageable than expected.
With prior experience in similar roles out of state, Adrian brings practical insight to his apprenticeship. He’s committed to completing the program and hopes to secure a full-time position at Wall Colmonoy.
“I really like what I’m learning and what I do,” he says. “And as a bonus—I get to play with fire every day, in a safe way!”
Augustine Garcia: Fueled by Gratitude
For Augustine, the apprenticeship program represents a second chance—and he’s not wasting any time. Introduced to Wall Colmonoy by his nephew, Augustine was drawn in by the sense of family.
“This was the only place that opened their arms to me,” he says. “I enjoy what I do, and I’m always looking to move up.”
His days include weighing materials, creating charges, and taking pride in seeing the final product. “There’s a real sense of accomplishment in knowing you made something.”
With coursework in math, CPR, and professional development, Augustine is focused on becoming his best self. “I’m the prime supporter of my family. It feels good to be the one they rely on.”
Building More Than Just Metal
Wall Colmonoy’s Furnace Apprenticeship Program goes beyond job training. It’s a launchpad for growth, offering stability, skills, and community to those ready to work for it. Whether driven by curiosity, personal responsibility, or drive to grow, each apprentice is shaping their own future while contributing to the next generation of excellence in metal processing.
For more on Wall Colmonoy Los Lunas, visit wallcolmonoy.com/loslunas
To apply for an apprenticeship, email careers@wallcolmonoy.com
Chris Cox and Augustine Garcia with their supervisors - Nathan Lueras, Maintenance Supervisor, and Tom Adams, Production Manager.