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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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.

 

Three of our apprentices started at Reagit this week

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At Warren, we’re proud to support the next generation of engineering talent. This week, three of our promising apprentices, Alfie McElvogue, Tadas Difartas, and Reino Monument, have started their six weeks of study at Reagit in Norwich. This marks the first step in their journey towards achieving their Level 2 Engineering Operative qualification.

During their time at Reagit, Alfie, Tadas, and Reino are gaining essential theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills that will form the foundation of their careers in manufacturing and engineering. After completing this intensive study period, they’ll return to Warren to begin their factory rotations, where they’ll apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.

We’re excited to watch these apprentices grow and develop their expertise, and we’re confident they’ll become invaluable members of the Warren team. Supporting apprenticeships is a key part of our commitment to nurturing talent and helping shape the future of engineering.

Discover the XR Lab at West Suffolk College: Revolutionising Engineering Education

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At Warren, we are proud to support the groundbreaking advancements in engineering education made possible by the new XR Lab at West Suffolk College. This state-of-the-art facility, the first of its kind within an educational institution, is dedicated to educating the next generation of engineers—something we passionately believe in.

To showcase this remarkable facility, Richard Bridgman, the Owner and Founder of Warren and its holding company Rawner, has been collaborating with West Suffolk College for many years. Richard commissioned this in-depth video (below) with MTDCNC about the XR Lab, highlighting how the lab is revolutionising engineering education and providing a glimpse into the future of immersive learning.

What is the XR Lab?
The XR Lab combines the latest in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies, creating a dynamic and immersive environment for learning. This purpose-built facility offers students unparalleled access to cutting-edge technologies, providing an innovative space where theoretical knowledge meets practical application.

Why you should check out the XR Lab
If you’re an aspiring engineer or considering a career in the manufacturing industry, the XR Lab is a must-see. Specialising in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) with integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI), the XR Lab bridges the gap between education and industry. By embracing a hands-on approach, it equips students with the skills and experience needed to excel in practical engineering roles.

Supporting the future of engineering
At Warren, we recognise the importance of preparing students for the future. The XR Lab at West Suffolk College is a prime example of how innovative educational tools can transform learning experiences and better prepare students for the challenges of the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Explore the XR Lab and see how this revolutionary facility is shaping the engineers of tomorrow. Join us in supporting this exciting venture and discover how immersive technology can enhance your educational journey.

Social Saturday: A Night of Fun and Camaraderie

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At Warren Services, we believe that building strong team bonds is (almost!) as important as our engineering and manufacturing projects. This belief was in full swing on Saturday, 8th June, during our latest social night out in Norwich.

Thirteen of us gathered at the Riverside in Norwich for an evening of drinks and crazy golf. The night kicked off with everyone eager to showcase their golfing skills—or at least try to! The friendly competition soon took a hilarious turn, and by the 10th hole, the game had become more about fun than finding a winner.

Laughter, conversations, and perhaps a few too many drinks defined the evening. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to relax, unwind, and strengthen the personal connections that contribute to our collaborative work environment.

Our next social night out is on Saturday, 7th September. We look forward to another evening of laughing, games, and great company. Here’s to more memorable nights with the Warren Services family!