Warren hosts Make UK East of England Advisory Board meeting

/in , ,

In March, Warren was proud to host the latest meeting of the Make UK East of England Advisory Board – bringing together representatives from manufacturing and engineering companies across the region.

The event was well attended, with businesses of all sizes joining us at our premises for an afternoon of discussion, collaboration and knowledge sharing. As long-standing members of Make UK – dating back to our days in Feltwell when it was known as the EEF, we value the opportunity to stay connected with the wider industry and help shape its future.

These advisory board meetings take place several times a year and serve as a forum for member companies to discuss a broad range of industry matters. Topics on the agenda typically include current business challenges, investment plans, wages, training, health and safety and available grants.

It’s a valuable opportunity to share insights, learn from each other’s experiences and explore how regional and national trends are affecting businesses across the sector.

As is tradition at these meetings, the host company gives a short presentation to introduce their business to the group. We were pleased to share our story with fellow members – from our early beginnings to our growth, our commitment to apprenticeships and training and our ongoing investment in people and technology.

Following the meeting, attendees were invited on a guided tour of our facilities to get a closer look at how we work and see our operations in action.

We’re always glad to play an active role in the regional manufacturing community, and hosting the Make UK Advisory Board meeting was a great opportunity to strengthen those ties. Our thanks to all who attended and contributed to the discussion – we look forward to seeing everyone again at the next meeting.

Skills for success – Warren takes a stand on training and apprenticeships

/in , ,

We at Warren have long recognised a challenge that continues to impact our industry – the national shortage of skills across all areas of manufacturing and engineering. While there’s no shortage of meetings, reports and initiatives set up to tackle the issue, lasting change still feels frustratingly slow.

Recently, Make UK and the Government launched a new Skills Commission, bringing together influential voices from education, manufacturing and Parliament, including Lords, policy makers and senior figures in industry. While the creation of another commission might raise a few eyebrows, we took the opportunity to make our voice heard in a different way.

Not another survey…

Rather than simply ticking boxes on the Commission’s initial survey, we decided to take a more direct approach. We told our story. We shared how Warren began, how we built our apprenticeship programme from the ground up and what we’ve learned – the successes, the challenges, and the reality of training in a fast-changing industry.

This honest, first-hand account was shared with members of the Commission and made its way into the right hands.

Warren welcomes the Commission

As a result, on 13th March we were proud to welcome a delegation from the Industrial Strategy Skills Commission to Warren. The visit was led by the Chair of the Commission, the Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP, who spent time learning about our approach to skills and training.

He and the team met with both current and former apprentices, gaining valuable insight into the practical realities of developing talent in the manufacturing sector. It was a great opportunity for open dialogue and we’re proud to say, they were very impressed with what they saw and heard.

We also took the opportunity to recommend a visit to West Suffolk College – our long-standing training partner, so they could see the full picture of how local collaboration plays a vital role in delivering real training outcomes.

A mention in Westminster

Following the visit, Warren was invited to attend the official presentation of the Commission’s final report at Make UK headquarters in Westminster on 1st April. The report is a weighty one, but we were pleased to see Warren mentioned several times throughout the document, a real acknowledgement of the work we’ve put in over the years.

Will things change?

So, will this Commission lead to real change? We remain cautiously sceptical. Too often, these initiatives generate discussion but little action. But one thing’s certain, Warren will continue doing what we’ve always done: investing in people, developing skills, and creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers.

We’ll keep doing our bit. And we’re proud to share our story, if it helps inspire others to do the same.

MTC Event in Coventry: Insights, Debate, and Exciting Opportunities

/in , ,

Earlier this month, our Managing Director, Will Bridgman and Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman headed to the MTC (Manufacturing Technologies Centre) in Coventry for a major industry event. The trip followed a late night in Cambridge, entertaining potential clients with exciting project opportunities for Warren. The previous day had also been packed with activity, as Will followed up on defence sector contacts in Norwich, culminating in a meeting with the Defence Minister – a key step in Warren’s growing involvement in the sector.

What is the MTC?

The MTC provides transformative manufacturing advice to businesses across the UK, helping to drive innovation, efficiency and sustainability in the industry. The event brought together manufacturers from across the country, providing valuable networking opportunities and discussions on the future of UK manufacturing.

Will Bridgman on the Sustainability Panel

Will was invited to take part in a panel discussion in the auditorium, covering sustainability in manufacturing—a subject that is becoming increasingly critical to businesses and policymakers alike. The panel featured Henrik Von Scheel, a highly respected thought leader in the field, as the keynote speaker.

A heated debate on renewable energy

One of the memorable moments of the day came when Will and Henrik clashed on the topic of solar panels and wind energy. The debate became quite intense, with strong words exchanged as both defended their perspectives. However, after a lively discussion Henrik ultimately conceded to Will’s points – a testament to Will’s deep knowledge and passion for the topic.

The discussions continued into the evening at the event’s formal dinner. Richard found himself seated next to Henrik and despite the earlier debate, they managed to get along well. Will wisely, was seated at another table – probably for the best after such an energetic exchange!

The MTC event was a fantastic opportunity for Warren to engage with industry leaders, explore new ideas and strengthen our presence in the manufacturing and defence sectors. Events like these are essential in helping us stay at the forefront of innovation and sustainability – and of course, in ensuring that our voice is heard in the wider industry conversations.

We’re looking forward to turning these connections into opportunities and continuing to push boundaries in sustainable and high-tech manufacturing.

Welcome to the Team: Ella Joins Warren’s Quality Department

/in , ,

At Warren, we are always excited to welcome new talent to our team and this February, we were pleased to have Ella Cade join our quality department as a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice.

A new career journey

Ella has made an exciting career transition, moving from a role as a teaching assistant in a local primary school to pursuing an apprenticeship in business administration. This change reflects her eagerness to develop new skills and gain valuable experience in a manufacturing and engineering environment.

As part of the quality department, Ella will play an important role in ensuring that Warren’s high standards are maintained across all aspects of our work. Business administration is a key function in manufacturing, supporting operations, compliance and efficiency – so we are thrilled to have Ella on board as she embarks on this journey.

Getting to know Ella

Outside of work, Ella enjoys spending time at home with her cat and making memories with family. Her passion for organisation and dedication to learning make her a fantastic addition to the Warren team.

We are delighted to support Ella through her apprenticeship, helping her develop her skills and progress in her career. We look forward to seeing her grow in her role and make a valuable contribution to the team.

Welcome to Warren, Ella!

Opening Doors to Future Talent: Warren’s Apprenticeship Open Evening

/in , ,

We are passionate about investing in the next generation of engineers and manufacturers. As part of National Apprenticeship Week in February, we hosted our annual Apprenticeship Open Evening, offering potential apprentices and their parents/carers the opportunity to learn more about our exciting apprenticeship programme.

Engaging with future engineers

The evening provided an invaluable chance to connect with parents and carers, helping them understand what an apprenticeship at Warren involves. We know that choosing an apprenticeship is a big decision and having the support of family can make a huge difference in a young person’s career journey.

Will led a guided tour of our Brickfields Way facility, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of work we do and the opportunities available to apprentices. Throughout the evening, we answered questions about career progression, training and the hands-on experience apprentices can expect at Warren.

The recruitment process is underway

Following the event, we have already begun work placements as part of our recruitment process. These placements offer candidates a real insight into working life at Warren, allowing them to demonstrate their enthusiasm and aptitude for a career in engineering and manufacturing.

Additional placements will be taking place over the Easter holidays and we will be making our final selection by the start of May.

Apprenticeships at Warren: September 2025 intake

Once again, we are recruiting four Level 2 Engineering Operative apprentices, who will start their apprenticeships in September 2025. These apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop specialist skills and kick-start a rewarding career in engineering.

We are committed to supporting and training the next generation of skilled engineers, ensuring they have the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in the industry.

It was fantastic to meet so many enthusiastic young people and supportive parents at our Apprenticeship Open Evening. We look forward to welcoming our next cohort of apprentices later this year and seeing them develop into skilled professionals within our team.

Supporting Local Talent: Warren Attends Norfolk Apprenticeships Network Meeting

/in , , ,

At Warren, we are always looking for ways to support and invest in future talent, so attending the Norfolk Apprenticeships Network Meeting on Wednesday, 26th February was a great opportunity to connect with other local employers and discuss the latest apprenticeship initiatives.

Meeting at Able2B – Supporting Inclusivity Through Physical Activity

The meeting was held at Able2B in Norwich, an inspiring organisation dedicated to supporting children and adults with disabilities through physical activity. Able2B runs group classes and one-to-one sessions to help improve fitness levels, build self-confidence and promote inclusion. Their work aligns with our values of providing opportunities for people to develop and thrive, regardless of background or ability.

Norfolk Apprenticeships: A Positive Growth Story

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the fantastic rise in apprenticeship starts across Norfolk. Compared to a national increase of just 1.32%, Norfolk has seen a remarkable 11% rise – a testament to the dedication of local businesses, training providers  and young professionals eager to gain industry skills.

At Warren, we are proud to contribute to this growth by providing hands-on training, mentorship  and career development opportunities for apprentices. Skilled workers are the backbone of the manufacturing and engineering sectors  and we believe in nurturing the next generation of talent.

Connecting with Local Employers

The meeting also provided a great platform for networking with other local businesses that employ apprentices, exchanging ideas and identifying opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that could enhance training and employment prospects in the region. Engaging with these networks ensures that Warren stays at the forefront of workforce development, helping us attract skilled and motivated individuals to our team.

We are excited about the positive momentum in apprenticeships across Norfolk and look forward to exploring how Warren can continue to support and grow opportunities for young people in engineering and manufacturing.

If you’re interested in an apprenticeship or career at Warren, keep an eye on our website for opportunities – or get in touch to learn more!

Welcoming our first Level 3 Business Administration apprentices

/in ,

Over the past six months, Warren has welcomed three Level 3 Business Administration apprentices – a first for our company. All three apprentices are studying with West Suffolk College and have taken on key roles across different departments:

  • Natalia: Quoting
  • Ludmila: Purchasing
  • Ella: Quality

These apprenticeships mark an exciting new chapter for Warren as we continue to diversify and expand our training programmes.

We are proud to currently have nine learners actively engaged in their apprenticeship programmes, with plans to recruit four more apprentices in September.

We look forward to supporting Natalia, Ludmila, and Ella as they progress through their apprenticeships and contribute to the ongoing success of our business.

National Apprenticeship Week 2025: celebrating skills, growth, and success

/in ,

From the 10th to the 16th of February, the UK celebrated National Apprenticeship Week – a time to recognise the incredible benefits apprenticeships bring to individuals, businesses, and the economy. At Warren, we don’t need a special week to appreciate our apprentices, but we were excited to join the celebrations by sharing fantastic content throughout the week.

Exciting events and achievements

  • Norfolk Apprenticeship Awards: On Wednesday, 12th February, we attended the Norfolk Apprenticeship Awards at Carrow Road in Norwich, where we were honoured to be nominated for Medium-sized Apprenticeship Employer of the Year – and we won! This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in apprenticeships and supporting young talent in the manufacturing and engineering industry.
  • Annual open evening: On Thursday, 13th February, we hosted our annual open evening for parents and learners interested in joining us in September 2025. We continue to offer the Level 2 Engineering Operative qualification, providing a solid foundation for a successful career in the industry.

A special visit from Terry Jermy, MP

On the 13th of February, we had the pleasure of welcoming Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk, to our facility. Mr. Jermy shared his thoughts and some photos on Facebook after the visit:

“Great visit to Warren Services in Thetford today to celebrate National Apprenticeships Week. Under the leadership of Richard Bridgman, Warren have been investing in skills and apprenticeships for many years and just last night won an award at the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards Ceremony. Richard, Estee & Will explained how their investment and commitment to apprenticeships benefits their business by helping to ensure they have a steady flow of skilled employees to help grow their work, allowing the company to thrive. I was pleased to highlight the work of Warren in a speech in Parliament recently.”

We are incredibly grateful for Mr. Jermy’s visit and his recognition of the importance of apprenticeships in driving business growth and supporting the local economy.

As we continue to invest in training and development, we look forward to welcoming the next generation of apprentices and watching them grow, just like Joe, Sam, and Bobby. Apprenticeships are more than qualifications; they are the foundation of a skilled, innovative, and successful workforce.

Celebrating success: apprenticeships lead to full-time roles at Warren

/in ,

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of three exceptional team members who have recently completed their Level 2 Apprenticeships. Congratulations to Joe, Sam, and Bobby, who have not only passed their qualifications but have also secured full-time positions within the company.

A challenging assessment process

In January, Joe, Sam, and Bobby undertook their End Point Assessment (EPA) – a rigorous process designed to test their skills, knowledge, and understanding of their respective trades. The assessment involved three key components:

A multiple-choice exam: testing their theoretical knowledge of manufacturing and engineering principles.

A weld test: assessing practical skills and the ability to produce high-quality work.

A professional discussion: similar to an interview, this tested their understanding of the industry and the skills they had developed during their apprenticeship.

The hard work and commitment of all three apprentices paid off, with each achieving a merit – the highest possible grade for the specific qualification.

New roles within the company

Following their success, Joe, Sam, and Bobby have all accepted full-time positions within the company. We are thrilled to see them continue their careers with us:

Joe has joined the paint department, where his attention to detail and commitment to quality make him a valuable addition to the team.

Bobby is now part of the laser area, bringing his technical skills and enthusiasm for precision work to the role.

Sam has taken up a position in the welding department, applying the skills he honed during his apprenticeship to deliver high-quality results.

A testament to hard work and determination

The journey to completing their apprenticeships was not without its challenges. There were times when the workload and demands were a struggle, but through determination, resilience – and the support of their mentors and colleagues, all three succeeded.

As a company, we take great pride in nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals. Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to learn while gaining hands-on experience in the workplace. Joe, Sam, and Bobby have demonstrated just how valuable these programmes are, not only for individuals but for the industry as a whole.

Congratulations once again to Joe, Sam, and Bobby – your hard work has paid off and we are delighted to have you as part of the Warren team. Here’s to a bright and successful future in manufacturing and engineering!

We won an award at the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2025!

/in , ,

We are proud to announce that we have won the prestigious ‘Medium-sized Apprenticeships Employer of the Year (50-249 employees)’ award at the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2025.

The ceremony took place on Wednesday, 12th February at Norwich City Football Club, where our HR Director, Estee accepted the award on behalf of the company.

The Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices, managers, mentors, and businesses across the county. This year’s event welcomed around 200 guests to honour the incredible contributions made to apprenticeship programmes.

Estee expressed her gratitude, stating: “We are thrilled to receive this award. Apprenticeships are at the heart of our company’s growth and success. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our apprentices and the dedication of our team in supporting and nurturing new talent in the manufacturing and engineering industry.”

Apprenticeships Norfolk highlighted the importance of the awards, saying: “Our annual ‘Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2025’ shone a light on the exceptional achievements of apprentices, managers/mentors and businesses right across the county – celebrating their successes with around 200 guests at Norwich City Football Club.”

This accolade reflects Warren’s commitment to providing high-quality apprenticeship opportunities and supporting the next generation of skilled professionals in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

We are immensely proud of this achievement and look forward to continuing our work to create valuable opportunities for apprentices.