Adam Wheatley – Celebrating 20 years’ service at Warren

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At Warren, we take immense pride in our team members who contribute to our success and growth. We are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone as Adam Wheatley marks two decades of dedicated service with our company.

Adam’s journey here at Warren began as an apprentice, where his passion for the manufacturing industry and commitment to excellence quickly set him apart. Over the years, he has exhibited unwavering loyalty and has become a trusted pillar of our organisation. From the shop floor to his current role as the factory manager, Adam has been instrumental in shaping our success.

We are delighted to honour Adam with a special recognition gift. In a heartfelt ceremony, Will, our Managing Director, expressed gratitude for Adam’s exceptional service and presented him with a token of appreciation.

Will, speaking about Adam’s journey, said, “Adam’s story is a testament to the values we hold dear at Warren Manufacturing – hard work, dedication, and continuous growth. His progression from an apprentice to the factory manager is a source of inspiration for all of us. Adam’s journey exemplifies the opportunities for career development and advancement that we strive to provide for our team members.”

Congratulations Adam, on this incredible milestone! Here’s to 20 years of excellence and many more years of success with Warren.

 

Congratulations, Ali!

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We are thrilled to share some exciting news that unfolded on 15th January, as we proudly presented Alistair with his well-deserved apprenticeship certificate. The culmination of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment, this moment marked the completion of Ali’s comprehensive training programme, including the successful conclusion of his end-point assessment.

Congratulations, Ali!

Completing an apprenticeship is no small feat, and we couldn’t be prouder of Alistair for conquering every challenge that came his way. It’s been a journey filled with learning, growth, and, undoubtedly, a few hurdles. However, Ali’s perseverance and determination have shone through, proving that hard work truly pays off.

Here’s to Alistair, to new beginnings, and to the bright future that lies ahead for our remarkable team at Warren Manufacturing. Congratulations once again, Ali!

Warren welcomes recently appointed DWP Minister, Jo Churchill to forge pathways for youth employment

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In late December, Warren proudly hosted Jo Churchill, the Minister of State for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), for a tour of their Brickfields Way facilities. The visit highlighted Warren’s commitment to championing and supporting young talent in the manufacturing sector and our collaborative efforts with the DWP to create employment opportunities for those furthest away from the labour market.

Commitment to youth empowerment
Warren has long been dedicated to nurturing young talent in the manufacturing sector. Our unwavering passion extends beyond conventional roles, offering work experience across various sectors, including administration, HR, and engineering. This commitment aligns with the broader mission of supporting the youth and creating a pathway for those seeking careers in diverse fields.

Strategic collaboration with the DWP
Collaborating closely with the DWP, Warren has forged vital connections with numerous employers in the area. As a committed supporter of the Kickstart agenda, the company not only provides multiple work trial placements but actively encourages other employers to embrace this initiative. Notably, Warren voluntarily took on the role of a Gateway employer, simplifying access to Kickstart for smaller companies and generously sharing HR resources to facilitate broader participation.

Minister’s support and recognition
Minister Jo Churchill was welcomed by Warren’s Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman, alongside Managing Director Will Bridgman and HR Director Estee Ross.
The visit signified the importance of the partnership between Warren and the DWP. The company welcomes the Minister’s support in further developing this collaborative effort, reinforcing the shared goal of creating impactful opportunities for youth employment and professional development.

Key figures and insightful discussions

Jo had the opportunity to engage with both current and former apprentices, gaining valuable insights into the company’s commitment to skills development and mentorship.

The visit also included a roundtable discussion over lunch, bringing together key partners pivotal to Warren’s community initiatives. Representatives from The Mason Trust and ICanBeA, Baxters Healthcare, Centurion, Boniface Engineering, and Peerless Plastics & Coatings contributed to insightful discussions on youth empowerment, employment strategies, and community engagement.

 

Gallery of photos from the day:

DWP District Manager Julia Nix helped organise the event

Julia Nix, the East Anglia District Manager for the DWP and who has recently been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk attended the event, bringing with her a wealth of experience gained during her tenure in the Civil Service since 1983. Recognised as a Princes Trust Ambassador for over two decades, Julia was awarded an OBE in 2017 for her outstanding contributions to tackling youth unemployment in East Anglia.

Diverse collaborations with key partnerships for social impact

The roundtable included representatives from organisations like The Mason Trust, an organisation supporting young people in Suffolk and Norfolk, and companies such as Baxters Healthcare, Centurion, Boniface Engineering, and Peerless Plastics & Coatings. Each partner plays a crucial role in creating a collaborative network focused on building a thriving future for the community.

Warren’s collaboration with DWP extends beyond traditional employment initiatives, encompassing projects like Thetford Modern Manufacturing Town, Thetford Partnership Action Group, and Thetford Business Forum. Additionally, their partnership with the High Sheriff of Norfolk, DWP, Norfolk Community Foundation, and Norwich Prison reflects a holistic approach to supporting ex-offenders, demonstrating the company’s commitment to social impact and community development.

Warren’s dedication to youth empowerment and community engagement, coupled with strategic collaborations with the DWP and influential partners, exemplifies a model for creating positive social change. The Minister’s visit underscores the significance of such initiatives, emphasising the shared commitment to building a brighter future for young individuals and the broader community.

School Engagement Update

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In line with our ongoing dedication to assist our local high school, Thetford Academy, we have enlisted the help of two former students, Jed McConochie (Mechanical Assembler) and Alistair Newey (Level 3 Technician Apprentice), to contribute to Design & Technology lessons.

Each week, both individuals dedicate two hours to supporting the school. Their involvement extends beyond the classroom, encompassing activities such as addressing school assemblies, participating in the careers event, and providing specialised tours for students interested in pursuing careers in engineering. We extend our gratitude to Jed and Ali for their ongoing commitment to our company.

Our primary objective is to ensure that Thetford Academy students are well-informed about Warren, our operations, and the apprenticeship opportunities we offer.

Celebrating Ali’s Triumph: A Milestone in Apprenticeship

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We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Ali Newey, for successfully completing his apprenticeship.

Ali holds a special place in our hearts as the first engineering apprentice from our team to undergo the end-point assessment—a rigorous professional discussion marking the culmination of his apprenticeship journey. This challenging interview-style evaluation is designed to assess the depth of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the apprenticeship.

The assessment is no walk in the park, similar to a challenging interview that puts candidates through their paces. Despite its formidable nature, this assessment serves as a testament to Ali’s dedication, resilience, and the wealth of expertise he has gained.

Ali is working in collaboration with Nick, Rob, Harry, and Robin.

Completing an apprenticeship is a significant achievement, and Ali’s success is a testament to the support of his mentors, his personal dedication, and the positive environment here at Warren.

As Ali continues to grow and contribute to our controls team, we eagerly anticipate the impact he will undoubtedly make in his future endeavours.

Here’s to a bright and successful future ahead for Ali!

Goodbye to Tom Render

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As the year draws to a close, we bid a heartfelt goodbye to a cherished member of the Warren team, Tom Render.

Tom’s journey with us began back in 2010, a young enthusiast straight out of school. His connection with Warren started even earlier as a special “Young Apprentice” in the day release “Work Experience” scheme in conjunction with his school, the Rosemary Musker (now Thetford Academy), West Suffolk College and Warren.

Tom’s determination was evident from the start. Despite the school’s encouragement to continue into the sixth form, Tom knew his passion lay in becoming an engineer. Joining Warren as an apprentice in 2010, he embarked on a learning adventure with EAGIT in Norwich, earning his level 3 certificate.

Over the years, Tom has worn many hats within our organisation. From the initial apprenticeship, he transitioned through different areas, making his mark in milling and later settling into the turning area. His dedication and skill set have also led him to take on the role of a Quality Inspector.

Tom’s commitment isn’t limited to the workplace. Outside of his professional life, he has generously devoted his spare time to serving as a Special Constable (PCSO). His rise through the ranks to Inspector reflects not only his commitment to excellence but also his leadership qualities.

From a 15-year-old boy joining our ranks, Tom has undergone a significant transformation. Now happily married with a child and a home of his own, we’ve witnessed the remarkable journey of a young apprentice evolving into a seasoned professional.

Tom has become an integral part of Warren’s history. His contributions, growth, and the positive impact he’s had on his colleagues and mentors will be fondly remembered. As he steps into a new chapter of his career, we extend our warmest wishes for success and fulfilment.

To Tom, we say farewell with gratitude for the time, dedication, and spirit you brought to Warren. Remember, there will always be a place for you here should you decide to return in the future.

We wish Tom Render the very best in his new endeavours. Your journey with Warren may be ending, but the impact you’ve made will endure. Cheers to your future, Tom!

It’s Christmas Jumper Day!

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‘Tis the season to be jolly, and at Warren, we’re not ones to miss out on the festive fun! As December rolls in, we decked the halls, adorned our workspaces with twinkling lights, and slipped into our cosiest Christmas jumpers to celebrate Christmas Jumper Day today – Thursday, 7th December.

Our team pulled out all the stops to showcase their individuality. There were snowflakes, reindeer, elves, and a few snowmen spotted on jumpers. The cheerful atmosphere resonated through the hum of machinery as we worked with an extra dose of enthusiasm!

As we approach the festive season, we’d like to inform our valued customers and partners about our Christmas and New Year opening hours:

📆 Closing for Christmas:

Friday, 22nd December at 2PM 🕑

🎉 Reopening for the New Year:

Tuesday, 2nd January at 6AM 🕕

From all of us at Warren, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and laughter. Merry Christmas!

 

Cailum Wilson’s Remarkable Academic Journey

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In 2015,Our Founder Owner Richard Bridgman became an Honorary Fellow of UCS for his dedication to young people’s training, with a particular focus on West Suffolk College. Over the years, he has regularly attended the Graduation Ceremonies at Bury Cathedral, donning the traditional hat and gown, surrounded by graduates, their families, and friends. Richard says the atmosphere in the Cathedral has always been nothing short of incredible. Unfortunately, he had to miss this year’s ceremony as he was abroad.

This year holds a special significance for Warren Services, as Cailum Wilson, who commenced his journey as an Apprentice with us in 2016, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first person from Warren to earn a degree. Despite Cailum leaving our team during his final year of study, his determination and perseverance led him to successfully complete the qualification. We take immense pride in Cailum’s accomplishment, a well-deserved recognition of his unwavering dedication.

The attached photo captures the moment CEO Nikos Savvas personally congratulated Cailum after the ceremony, fulfilling Richard’s request. Looking ahead, we are optimistic that we will have more reasons to celebrate during the next graduation day. Two of our current Apprentices are currently in the final year of their degree course, raising hopes for a double celebration in the near future!

A few words from Cailum:

“I joined Warren back in 2016 after finishing college. I wanted to join a degree apprenticeship program in-stead of attending university on a more traditional pathway. Through a mutual friend I got the opportunity to have a phone call/interview with Richard and Will, and they were kind enough to offer me some work experience before joining the degree apprenticeship.

“Over the next few years I got the opportunity to work in most of the departments at Warren, learning from some of the best engineers in the industry. While working I studied for my HNC/HND through West Suffolk College. After being in the workshop for 4 years I then moved into design and worked on prototyping ma-chines for various customers and studied for the last leg of my degree. In the last year I moved on to Mar-shalls ADG as a Systems Development Engineer. I can’t thank enough everyone at Warren for putting up with me during my apprenticeship and teaching me vital industry knowledge, including to check what fuel you are putting in the company truck!”

Chairman of Norfolk County Council Tours Warren

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On Tuesday 3rd October, Warren had the privilege of hosting a visit from Counsellor Barry Stone, the Chairman of Norfolk County Council.

Barry’s purpose for the visit was to engage in a discussion about apprenticeships and to have a tour of our facilities at Fison and Brickfields Way.

Counsellor Barry is committed to ensuring that young people receive the necessary encouragement to make informed career choices beyond the age of 16. During his visit, he expressed a keen interest in this aspect of education and career development.

Barry was very impressed by the scale and cleanliness of our factories, as well as the wide diversity of work taking place within our organisation, leaving him with a positive impression of Warren’s operations.

Special Visit from Liz Truss and Dominic Johnson: Exploring Warren’s Diverse Work

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On Friday 22nd September, we received a visit from Liz Truss, our local MP in Thetford, and Dominic Johnson, the Minister of State for Trade of the United Kingdom, at our Brickfields Site. They dedicated a considerable amount of time to explore our facilities and engage in conversations with many of our employees.

Both visitors expressed their astonishment at the wide range of work we undertake for our numerous customers. They showed particular interest in our Apprenticeship programme and eagerly questioned several of our apprentices about their reasons for coming to work at Warren.

Following the comprehensive factory tour, our gathering shifted to the meeting room, where Will and Jo Pearson joined us. Both were keen to gain insights into the challenges confronting the Government, particularly in relation to businesses across the nation. Dominic and Liz offered to help us in any way they can, for which we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

It’s not every day that a Member of the House of Lords shares their personal mobile number with you.