The Plantlife Project: Supporting Biodiversity

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We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to contribute to our community and environment. Recently, we had an exciting encounter that aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and conservation. During a lunchtime walk, Ian, Becky, and Sophie spotted Jo Jones from Plantlife outside our Brickfields factory, and it turns out she’s working on a fascinating project that we’re thrilled to support.

The Field Wormwood project

Jo Jones, who gave an inspiring talk at the Thetford Business Forum in July, is involved in a crucial conservation project at Plantlife. The focus of her work is the reintroduction of a rare plant called Field Wormwood to our local area. This plant is critically endangered and can only be found in two sites across the entire UK. Interestingly, the most thriving population is located on an industrial estate on London Road in Brandon.

Field Wormwood has seen its habitat diminish due to the increasing nutrient levels in the soil and the encroachment of building projects. However, verges on industrial estates, like those around our Brickfields factory, present an ideal environment for this plant. These verges are remnants of old heathland that have never been fertilised or sprayed, providing the perfect sandy and chalky soils that Field Wormwood thrives in.

A unique ecological relationship

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Field Wormwood project is its connection to a rare beetle known as the Moonshine beetle. This beetle has a unique and exclusive relationship with the Field Wormwood. In the autumn, the Moonshine beetle climbs the flower stalks of the Field Wormwood to eat its seeds. What’s remarkable is that this beetle has only ever been found in areas where Field Wormwood grows, despite extensive searches elsewhere. This rare plant and beetle duo highlight the importance of preserving such unique and delicate ecosystems.

Warren’s role in the project

It turns out that our MD Will had already been in touch with Jo to explore whether our sites might be suitable for assisting with this vital conservation effort. As we completed our walk, we saw Tim from The Horticulture Industry Scheme C.I.C. was deep in conversation with Jo, discussing the best locations to plant Field Wormwood at our sites. Their goal is to ensure that these rare plants are protected and thrive without interference from regular maintenance activities.

We’re excited to be part of this project and to contribute to the preservation of such a rare species. By reintroducing Field Wormwood to suitable areas around our industrial estates, we’re helping to safeguard not only the plant but also the unique Moonshine beetle that relies on it.

This collaboration with Plantlife is just one of the ways Warren is committed to supporting biodiversity and environmental sustainability. We’re proud to play a role in this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our local ecosystem.

Welcoming David: Our New Mechanical Engineering Intern

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At Warren, we’re committed to nurturing the next generation of engineering talent, and we’re thrilled to introduce David, our new Mechanical Engineering Intern. David joins us for his work placement year as part of his Aerospace Engineering degree from Leicester University. At just 19 years old, David brings a fresh perspective, a passion for engineering and a wealth of experiences that make him a valuable addition to our team.

David’s background and education

David’s journey in engineering began during his A-Level studies, where he gained hands-on experience working part-time at a saw servicing company. This early exposure to the mechanical aspects of engineering sparked his interest and led him to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Now in his placement year, David is eager to apply his academic knowledge in a real-world setting at Warren.

A passion for the outdoors and volunteering

When David isn’t immersed in his studies or working at Warren, he loves to explore the great outdoors. Cycling through the countryside is one of his favourite ways to unwind and stay active. His love for nature also extends to his volunteer work. As part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award, David volunteered with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust at Lackford Lakes.

Ambitions and future plans

David’s ambitions extend beyond his current studies. He’s particularly excited about the prospect of joining the Formula Student Team during his Master’s degree, where he hopes to contribute to the design and development of an ultimate racing car. His experience as a CAD design engineer during his second year at university, where he worked on a Beetle weight BattleBot project, has equipped him with practical skills and a keen understanding of the engineering design process.

Looking ahead

David’s enthusiasm for learning and his dedication to his craft make him an excellent fit for Warren. As he begins this work placement year, we’re excited to see how he’ll contribute to our projects and grow as a budding engineer. David is eager to gain as much experience as possible during his time with us, and we’re confident that his time at Warren will be both productive and enriching.

Welcoming Natalia: Our New Business Admin Apprentice at Warren

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We’re delighted to introduce Natalia, who has recently joined us as a Business Admin Apprentice. With her passion for learning and strong dedication to her family, Natalia brings a fresh perspective to our team.

Natalia’s background and career transition

Natalia comes to us with a background in Childcare, having spent several years working with children. As a proud mother of two boys, Natalia’s experience in nurturing and managing a dynamic environment is impressive. Her decision to switch career paths reflects her eagerness to explore new challenges and develop a broad set of skills in a different field.

The transition from Childcare to Business Administration is a bold move, and Natalia is excited about the opportunity to grow and learn within a new professional setting. She believes that Warren is the ideal place to embark on this journey, and we couldn’t agree more.

A family-oriented life

Outside of work, Natalia’s life is very much centered around her family. She enjoys spending her spare time with her two boys, engaging in creative arts and crafts projects, and exploring the great outdoors. Whether it’s taking walks with their Shih-Tzu or finding new ways to stay active together, Natalia values the quality time she spends with her family.

Looking forward to new opportunities

As Natalia steps into her new role at Warren, she is keen to contribute to the team’s success while expanding her own knowledge and abilities. The warm welcome she has received from our staff has made her feel at home, and she’s eager to dive into her work and start making a difference.

We’re confident that Natalia’s dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to personal growth will make her a valuable addition to our team.

Meet Harry, a New Member of our Team

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At Warren, we believe that our people are the foundation of our success. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Harry, the latest addition to our Milling department. With his extensive experience and passion for learning, Harry is a perfect fit for our team, and we’re excited to have him on board.

Harry’s journey to Warren

Harry recently made the move to Suffolk after spending many years in Rickmansworth. Before joining Warren, he worked at Martin-Baker, a company renowned for manufacturing ejection seats for aircraft. As a CNC programmer, Harry was responsible for machining critical components, a role he excelled in for over 13 years.

His journey in manufacturing began with an advanced apprenticeship at Martin-Baker, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience in CNC programming. Now, Harry brings that expertise to Warren, where he is eager to apply his knowledge in our Milling department and continue his professional growth.

Why Harry chose Suffolk

Harry’s move to Suffolk was driven by a desire for a better work-life balance. With a growing family (Harry and his wife are expecting their third child in September), Suffolk offered the perfect setting. The move has provided them with more space and the opportunity to spend quality time together as a family. When he’s not at work, Harry enjoys exploring the beautiful Suffolk countryside with his daughters.

When he’s not busy in the workshop or exploring Suffolk, Harry enjoys cooking and indulging in a bit of PC gaming.

Looking ahead

Harry is enthusiastic about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at Warren. He’s looking forward to learning new skills, getting to know his colleagues better, and contributing to the team’s success.

We’re delighted to have Harry join us and can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll make at Warren. We wish him all the best as he settles into his new role and prepares for the exciting arrival of his third child!

Holly’s Work Experience Journey

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We are excited to welcome Holly to the Warren Engineering team for a dynamic 10-week work experience programme. From the moment she joined us, Holly has been eagerly engaging with different aspects of our operations, showing an impressive eagerness to learn and contribute.

Holly’s enthusiasm for understanding the intricacies of our business is evident. She’s spending time with various teams, gaining insights into each department’s role within the company. This shadowing experience is designed to provide Holly with a comprehensive understanding of how our operations mesh together to create seamless outcomes.

Holly’s work experience goes beyond observation—she’s a hands-on participant in our core activities. From assisting in client meetings to handling data analysis with spreadsheets, she’s becoming an integral part of our daily processes. Her proactive approach not only enhances her learning experience but also brings fresh perspectives to our tasks.

We are thrilled to see Holly’s rapid development and are confident that her time with us will be filled with valuable experiences and growth.

Welcoming Adam Yaxley to Warren’s Quoting and Estimating Team

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We are delighted to introduce Adam Yaxley as the newest member of our quoting and estimating team here at Warren Engineering. With his extensive experience and enthusiasm, Adam is a valuable addition to our growing team.

A Warm Welcome

Adam has already spent a month with us, and his excitement about joining the Warren family is palpable. “The first month has been exciting and I’m looking forward to really getting stuck in,” he says. His eagerness to dive deep into the complexities of our projects and contribute to their success is exactly what we look for in our team members.

Professional Background

Adam brings a wealth of knowledge from his background in engineering and construction. His previous roles as an Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, and Commercial Manager have equipped him with a robust skill set that is perfectly aligned with the needs of our department. His experience will undoubtedly enhance our team’s efficiency and accuracy in project estimation and quoting.

Beyond the Desk

Outside of his professional life, Adam has a passion for football. He humorously mentions his efforts to relive his youth by playing on Sunday afternoons, despite a recent mishap that affected his smile. This dedication to staying active and involved in sports reflects his energetic and dynamic personality, qualities that are sure to resonate well within our team.

Looking Ahead

Adam is enthusiastic about the future and keen to meet everyone over the coming months. “I look forward to meeting everyone,” he says, emphasising his commitment to building strong relationships within the team and across the company.

We are confident that Adam will play a key role in our continued success, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our projects and our team. Please join us in giving Adam Yaxley a warm welcome to Warren Engineering.

Welcoming the Future: Warren’s New Apprentices for 2024

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Warren is thrilled to announce the selection of four individuals who will embark on an exciting journey as our newest apprentices. This year’s recruitment process has been particularly noteworthy, with a significant increase in applications compared to previous years, signalling a growing interest in the opportunities we offer.

Our approach to recruiting apprentices involves more than just selecting candidates; it’s about nurturing potential and providing opportunities for growth and development. This year, we are proud to have supported six work placements during the Easter break, allowing aspiring individuals to gain firsthand experience and insight into the world of manufacturing.

One of the key factors contributing to the surge in applications is the impactful involvement of two of our current apprentices, Jed and Ali. Their dedication to engaging with Year 11 students during DT lessons has significantly raised awareness about Warren and the diverse range of opportunities available within our organisation. Their enthusiasm and commitment have not only inspired prospective apprentices but also strengthened our connection with the local community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been involved in the work placement process, including our HR Director, Estee, and especially Ali, whose exceptional efforts have made a significant difference. Their dedication and support have been instrumental in providing valuable experiences for aspiring individuals and shaping the future of our workforce.

After careful consideration and evaluation, we are thrilled to announce that offers will be extended to four exceptional individuals who have demonstrated the potential and passion to thrive in our dynamic environment. These apprentices will join our team in September 2024.

At Warren, we recognise the importance of investing in the next generation of talent and providing opportunities for individuals to realise their full potential. As we welcome our new apprentices, we are committed to providing them with the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed, both personally and professionally.

Congratulations to our new apprentices, and welcome to the Warren family!

Warren Services Showcases Innovation and Support at Thetford Academy Careers Event

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We made an heroic impression at the Thetford Academy Careers event held on Friday, March 22nd. Our brand-new promotional stand, accompanied by Estee and two former apprentices, stood out among numerous local businesses and training providers attending the event.

The Thetford Academy Careers event drew enthusiastic participation from young people, eager to explore various career opportunities. Warren proudly supported this initiative, engaging with students who showed immense interest in our offerings.

A highlight was our Lego challenge, which this time was to create an electric vehicle along with EV charger – quite fitting as it resonates with our commitment to sustainability, reflected in their electric fleet of vehicles.

Our new stand got attention for its striking design and drew positive feedback from the attendees. The inclusion of the Lego superhero on the display stand added an extra dimension of excitement, sparking the imaginations of young attendees and reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and engagement.

We will be using the stand again at our upcoming Open Evening for parents and students on Wednesday, March 27th.

Estee Ross Clinches Norfolk Apprenticeships Award for Mentor / Manager of the Year!

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In a proud moment for Warren, Estee Ross, our HR Director, was honoured with the prestigious Norfolk Apprenticeships award for Mentor/Manager of the year! The accolade was presented to her on Wednesday night, the 7th of February, at a grand ceremony held at The Assembly House in Norwich.

The event, which witnessed a remarkable turnout, saw attendees from various sectors, all gathered to celebrate excellence in in all things apprenticeship. Adding a delicious touch to the occasion, catering was thoughtfully provided by the commis chef apprentices from City College in Norwich, further highlighting the collaborative spirit of the apprenticeship community.

Estee’s award was sponsored by Investors in People and represented by Lord Mayor of Norwich, Cllr James Wright, the attendees recognised Estee Ross’s outstanding contributions to mentoring and guiding apprentices.

Apprenticeships Norfolk have lauded Estee’s dedication and hard work and have said. “Mentoring an apprentice takes dedication and hard work, and Estee has shown not only this, but has also pushed her own boundaries, all whilst mentoring 12 apprentices! From the never-ending support of those on-programme and incredible quotes from apprentices, to working with the local community offering pre-apprenticeship work experience. Estee really embodies being a champion of apprenticeships. Well done Estee!”

In response to the recognition, Estee expressed gratitude and emphasised the importance of nurturing talent and fostering growth within the workforce: “Receiving this award is a tremendous honour, and I am truly humbled by the recognition,” said Estee Ross. “Mentoring apprentices has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing to support and inspire young talents in their journey towards excellence.”

Warren extends heartfelt congratulations to Estee Ross for this well-deserved achievement, reflecting the company’s steadfast commitment to mentorship, innovation, and excellence in the manufacturing sector.

Congratulations Estee on your well-deserved award!