Apprentices share their experiences

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To mark the end of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we invited some of our current and former apprentices to share their experiences of the apprenticeship route and how it has shaped their careers at Warren.

Their stories highlight the wide range of opportunities apprenticeships provide – from hands-on technical roles to business and administrative careers within the company.

Adam Wheatley – Production Director

“My first apprenticeship was with a different company where I gained a Level 3 in Automotive Repair and Diagnostics. I then joined Warren, completing a three-year General Engineering apprenticeship, followed by a Level 3 Installation Technician qualification and the 2391 Test and Inspection qualification.

“I wanted to learn whilst also having a job, so I would recommend the apprenticeship route as it gives a good mix of hands-on skills whilst gaining knowledge from people who have a wealth of experience.”

Estee Ross – HR Director

“I studied my apprenticeship in 2020 in Human Resource Management. The flexibility of an apprenticeship made it easier for me to study around my day-to-day role.

“I was already working in HR so I found the reports and projects easier to write because I had plenty of current examples that I could use as evidence. Study and work can be challenging at times but also very rewarding. Overall it was a fantastic experience that I would recommend to most.”

Jake Williams – Engineer

“I became an apprentice in 2011 after deciding that university wasn’t for me. I studied Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations and then Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering.

“During my apprenticeship my role was as a CNC machinist. I started by operating machines, then learned how to set them and eventually moved into programming. After completing my apprenticeship I progressed to become a Nightshift Supervisor, before moving back onto days where I now programme the majority of new work that comes in.”

Lud Vasiljeva – Administrative Assistant

“I’m currently an apprentice at Warren Services, completing a Business Administration Level 3 qualification within the Purchasing department.

“I get to study while also learning about engineering and earning a living. Warren provides good support for apprentices, which has made my experience very positive. I would recommend an apprenticeship because it helps you become more independent, build confidence and learn how a professional workplace operates.”

Apprenticeships continue to play an important role at Warren, helping us develop the next generation of skilled engineers and business professionals. By combining practical experience with formal learning, apprentices gain valuable knowledge while contributing to the success of the business.

Recognition at the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2026

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We are delighted to share that our Managing Director, Will Bridgman was recently recognised at the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2026 as a runner-up in the Mentor or Manager of the Year category.

The awards took place during National Apprenticeship Week 2026 and celebrate the achievements of apprentices, employers, mentors and advocates who help shape the future workforce across the county.

Reflecting on the nomination, Will said:
“I am grateful to have been named as one of the runners up in ‘Mentor or Manager of the Year’ at the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2026. Despite not being able to attend the event, my father Richard Bridgman received the award on my behalf.”

Now in their fourth year, the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards continue to highlight the inspiring stories of individuals and organisations who are committed to developing skills and supporting apprenticeships across the region. The event was once again sponsored by the East of England Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and featured 12 categories recognising outstanding contributions across the apprenticeship community.

This year’s nominations showcased some truly inspiring achievements from businesses, mentors and apprentices throughout Norfolk.

At Warren, apprenticeships are an important part of how we build the future of our workforce. Supporting and mentoring the next generation of engineers and skilled professionals is something we are incredibly passionate about, and we are delighted to see this recognised.

Level 2 apprentices achieve qualification success

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Congratulations to Alfie and Reino on successfully completing their Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship.

This is a fantastic achievement and a proud milestone in their careers. Completing a Level 2 apprenticeship takes commitment, practical skill and a willingness to learn – qualities both Alfie and Reino have consistently demonstrated throughout their time with us.

We’re also delighted to confirm that both have been offered permanent roles within specific teams across the business. Their hard work has paid off and we’re pleased to see them continuing their journey at Warren.

Apprenticeships are an important part of how we develop talent and strengthen our workforce for the future. Supporting young engineers as they build their skills and confidence remains a key priority for us.

Well done lads! We look forward to seeing you continue to grow and succeed in your new roles.

Apprentice journey – learning across Warren

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We were pleased to welcome three new apprentices from a local high school to Warren Services in September. Kelci, Danny and Cody have begun their Level 2 apprenticeship studies with West Suffolk College, alongside hands-on department rotations across our Brickfields and Fison sites.

Before Christmas, Cody spent time working in the Sapphire department at Brickfields. Sapphire Balconies is a leading provider of balconies for modern, high-spec apartment developments, and we’ve worked with them for over ten years. During his placement, Cody enjoyed being part of the team and gaining insight into the production process, noting how many of the manufacturing stages are recurrent and precision-led.

Cody has since moved into the Paint area at Brickfields, where he is already proving to be a great addition to the department. We’re looking forward to seeing how he continues to develop, alongside Kelci and Danny, as they progress through their rotations and build their skills within the business.

Supporting apprentices as they learn, grow and gain real-world experience remains an important part of life at Warren, and we’re excited to watch all three continue to excel.

Steph on Skills – powered by Enginuity

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Recently, Will and Richard Bridgman were invited by Enginuity to take part in a podcast for the Steph on Skills series, sharing Warren Services’ journey with apprenticeships.

They were interviewed by Steph McGovern, who many people will recognise from television. Richard had met Steph previously at Make UK events and he said she is exactly as you’d expect – straight-talking, knowledgeable and passionate about the manufacturing sector.

Championing apprenticeships in manufacturing

Steph has an engineering background and has done a huge amount to promote manufacturing careers, particularly encouraging young people to consider apprenticeships. She is also a strong advocate for increasing female representation in engineering and technical roles, which made the conversation especially relevant and engaging.

They met at a studio in the heart of London for what turned into a very early start. Steph had an exceptionally busy morning, recording three separate interviews for the series and despite a delayed arrival, once they were set up everything flowed naturally.

A great conversation and positive feedback

Richard said: “But I must say Will is far more eloquent and at ease with speaking than me. Since the Podcast as gone out we have had a lot of positive feedback.”

The episode offers a genuine insight into Warren’s approach, the challenges we’ve faced and why investing in apprenticeships continues to be such an important part of our business.

The podcast video is available to watch below:

Welcoming our new apprentices

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We’re pleased to welcome Danny, Kelci and Cody, who have recently joined Warren Services to begin their Level 2 apprenticeships with West Suffolk College.

All three have started their process rotations, giving them the chance to spend time in different areas of the business and build a solid understanding of how each part of our operation works. These early rotations are an important step in helping new apprentices find their strengths, develop new skills and gain confidence in a real engineering environment.

As they settle in, they will as always, receive guidance and support from colleagues across the company.

We are proud to continue investing in the next generation of engineers and look forward to seeing how Danny, Kelci and Cody progress over the months ahead.

Welcome to the team!

Richard Appears on ITV News

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Warren’s Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman recently found himself in front of the cameras, for an interview with ITV News.

The opportunity came about when Richard’s friend, Gina Long MBE was approached by ITV to be filmed at her home for a feature on the Honours List. As there wasn’t enough airtime available for both of them, Gina kindly suggested Richard, and the filming took place at her house.

Richard admits the process was quite daunting:

“It’s a strange experience having a camera right in your face. The filming takes a long time, but so much gets cut down – so it can end up as just a few minutes on screen.”

The feature reflected on the significance of receiving an Honour. Richard was awarded his OBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of his work over many years to support apprenticeships both locally and nationally. Today, the tradition continues under King Charles.

Richard says he was humbled to be recognised:

“When I received the letter from the Queen, I felt that I knew others who were far more deserving than me. I feel many get an Honour just for doing their job, and this needs to change. Let’s hope that more recognition is given to people who have dedicated their lives to something they’re passionate about. I must admit though, it was one of the proudest days of my life.”

Richard was accompanied to Buckingham Palace by his wife Sharon and their children, where his medal was presented by Prince William. After the ceremony, the celebrations continued with a lunch surrounded by 16 family members and friends.

📺 You can watch Richard’s ITV News appearance  below (skip to just after 6 minutes in).

Goodbye to Alistair Newey

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After five fantastic years with Warren, we are saying farewell to Alistair Newey, who joined us as a young apprentice and has since grown into a valued member of the team.

Alistair came to Warren after completing just one year of A-Levels and realising that academic study wasn’t the right path for him. From our very first meeting, it was clear he had something special – and we were delighted to offer him the chance to start a Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship with us.

From day one, Alistair impressed us. He excelled both academically and on the shop floor, handing in work on time and showing real commitment to learning. He quickly became popular within the business and found his stride in the technical department, learning from mentors Robin Foyle and Nick Claydon.

When Nick moved on, Alistair stepped up with confidence, taking on greater responsibility with the Tech-Grocer account. Beyond his day-to-day work, he’s been an incredible advocate for engineering, supporting the next generation by:

  • Helping run weekly Design & Technology lessons alongside Jed
  • Supporting local GCSE classes
  • Representing Warren at careers events and school tours

His dedication to promoting opportunities in engineering has left a lasting impact, both within our business and in the wider community.

On behalf of everyone at Warren, we’d like to thank Alistair for his hard work, professionalism and enthusiasm over the last five years. He’s been a credit to himself and to our apprenticeship programme.

We wish him every success in his next chapter – and we have no doubt he’ll continue to do brilliantly in whatever he sets his mind to.

Enginuity Skills Awards 2025: A Memorable Evening for Warren’s Founder

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On 3rd July, Warren’s Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman attended the prestigious Enginuity Skills Awards in London as a special guest. Hosted by Enginuity. the charity dedicated to closing the skills gap in UK engineering and manufacturing – this event brought together leading businesses, apprentices, and educators to celebrate excellence and innovation in skills development.

Richard’s journey to the event began with a train from Cambridge North to King’s Cross, followed by the Tube to Vauxhall.
“I felt a bit out of place travelling in my dinner suit, especially on a very hot afternoon,” Richard reflected.

After a 15-minute walk from the tube station to the venue, Richard arrived at a packed awards ceremony with more than 300 prize winners and guests. By a stroke of luck, he immediately bumped into Phil Smith CBE – the evening’s keynote speaker and recently appointed Chair of Skills England, working directly with government to shape skills policy. The evening also provided a chance to catch up with Fiona McGarry, Warren’s primary contact at Enginuity.

The pre-dinner drinks reception was a valuable opportunity for Richard to network and reconnect with friends and colleagues, many of whom he hadn’t seen for some time. He was seated at the table of EAL – the organisation responsible for setting qualifications, standards and assessments for apprenticeships – who had kindly extended the invitation.

As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed a well-prepared meal, as well as speeches and awards recognising outstanding achievements by both businesses and individual student prize winners. After dinner, Richard took the opportunity to meet the head trainer from BAE Systems, one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, who train thousands of apprentices annually.

The journey home, however, provided its own memorable twist! After leaving the event at 11:15pm, Richard made his way back to King’s Cross only to discover that his ticket for the 12:10 train was valid for 12:10pm — not 12:10am.
“I started to panic,” Richard admitted, “but luckily managed to buy another ticket. Unfortunately, that only got me as far as Cambridge Central. The whole journey back I was worrying about whether I’d be able to get a taxi to Cambridge North… but thankfully, I did. I finally arrived home at 2:15am.”

His eventful night didn’t end there – Richard was up again at 6:00am the next morning, taking his granddaughter to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for her work experience placement.

Despite the late-night travel saga, Richard summed up the event as a valuable and rewarding evening, reinforcing Warren’s commitment to supporting skills development and recognising the vital role apprenticeships play in strengthening the future of UK manufacturing and engineering.

Estee visits the House of Lords for Apprenticeship celebration

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Thursday 12th June was a proud and exciting day for Warren, as our HR Director, Estee Ross was invited to attend the Apprenticeships Ambassador Network Celebration at the prestigious House of Lords in London.

The event, which had been postponed from 2024 due to the general election, finally took place on a beautiful sunny day in the capital. It was a fitting setting to recognise the ongoing efforts of organisations like Warren that are actively promoting apprenticeships across Norfolk and beyond.

Estee said:

“It was such a special moment to be at the House of Lords – what a fantastic building! It’s actually much bigger than I imagined. I felt truly honoured to be there, representing Warren and all the work we’ve done to support apprenticeships in our region.”

Estee was invited by The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, who unfortunately had to send her apologies on the day, as she was required in the House of Commons. Nonetheless, the event was a great success, with guests from across the apprenticeship community coming together to share ideas and celebrate progress.

Estee was also able to catch up with Lisa Peter from Norfolk Apprenticeships, whose support has been invaluable over the past few years – especially in helping Warren benefit from Levy sharing arrangements with larger employers to support the cost of training.

One exciting announcement from the day was the confirmed date for the next National Apprenticeship Week:
9th–15th February 2026 – a key date for the diary as Warren continues to champion skills development and opportunity through apprenticeships.

Congratulations to Estee on being recognised at such a significant event – and thank you for continuing to fly the flag for apprenticeships and future talent at Warren.