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!

Strengthening local manufacturing: Meeting with Peter Prinsley MP

/in ,

At Warren, we are always keen to engage with policymakers to ensure that the voice of the manufacturing and engineering sector is heard. As part of our ongoing efforts, our Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman recently arranged a meeting with Peter Prinsley, the newly elected Labour MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, during his visit to the Make UK Conference in London on 4th March.

A timely meeting in Westminster

With the conference taking place just across the road from the House of Commons, the timing was perfect to arrange a meeting with Peter. Their paths had first crossed on the eve of the election when Peter was out campaigning in Bury, proudly wearing his large red rosette.

They met in Portcullis House for a productive half-hour discussion about his new role as MP for Bury & Stowmarket. Peter, a practising surgeon in Norwich, is now in the process of stepping away from his medical career to dedicate himself fully to his parliamentary and constituency responsibilities.

Engaging with the West Suffolk Manufacturing Club

Ahead of their meeting, Richard had sent Peter information about the West Suffolk Manufacturing Club, an initiative that has been instrumental in supporting local manufacturers. As Chair of the Club, Richard was keen to introduce him to the network and highlight the critical role that manufacturing plays in the local economy.

While his demanding schedule has so far prevented him from attending one of our meetings, Peter expressed a keen interest in engaging with the club when his diary allows. They both agreed to stay in contact and explore the possibility of him addressing club members during a parliamentary recess.

Building strong relationships between industry leaders and policymakers is essential for driving forward the interests of the manufacturing sector.

We look forward to welcoming Peter Prinsley to a future West Suffolk Manufacturing Club meeting and continuing to work together to champion the manufacturing and engineering sector in our region.

We are officially JOSCAR registered!

/in ,

We are delighted to announce that we are now officially JOSCAR registered!

View our Certificate

This marks a significant milestone for our company, reinforcing our commitment to quality, compliance and excellence within the aerospace, defence and security industries.

What is JOSCAR?

JOSCAR (the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) is a collaborative platform that centralises supplier information in one place. It helps businesses determine if a supplier is “fit for business” by covering areas such as company capability, financial history and corporate social responsibility. It acts as a central repository for pre-qualification and compliance information, ensuring that suppliers meet the stringent requirements set by leading industry organisations. The platform is governed by 29 organisations, including the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Leonardo, MBDA, Raytheon UK, Rolls-Royce and Babcock.

What This Means for Our Business

Becoming JOSCAR registered demonstrates that we meet the rigorous standards expected by major buyers in the industry. It confirms that our processes, quality controls and compliance measures align with the highest industry standards, making us a trusted and pre-approved supplier.

With this accreditation, we can streamline our procurement processes, improve efficiency and unlock new opportunities to collaborate with key players in the defence, aerospace and security sectors.

Why JOSCAR Accreditation Matters

  • Simplifies Procurement: JOSCAR acts as a single source of validated supplier information, reducing duplication and saving time for both buyers and suppliers.
  • Demonstrates Compliance: It assures customers that we meet stringent regulatory and security requirements.
  • Enhances Credibility: Being part of the JOSCAR community signals to buyers that we are ready and equipped to do business with leading industry players.
  • Unlocks Opportunities: Many organisations require JOSCAR registration before engaging with suppliers, giving us access to new contracts and partnerships.

Achieving JOSCAR registration is a proud moment for our company, but it is just the beginning. We remain committed to maintaining the highest industry standards and continuing to deliver exceptional products and services to our customers.

Welcoming Aurelia Bzozovskaja to the Warren Services team

/in ,

Aurelia Bzozovskaja joined the Warren team at the end of November 2024, initially working in Product Operations before moving into our Goods In department.

Aurelia has already made a positive impression with her enthusiasm and dedication to her role. Reflecting on her time with us so far, Aurelia shared:

“I am delighted to be part of the company and grateful for the support and training I have received so far. It has helped me to settle in well. I am looking forward to new challenges and continuing to develop in my role.”

Originally from Lithuania, Aurelia moved to England almost nine years ago. She now proudly calls the UK home, saying: “Home is where the heart is.” As a friendly, cheerful and active person, Aurelia enjoys walking, cooking, and experimenting with new recipes in her free time.

Family plays a big part in Aurelia’s life. She is a proud mother of three children – two girls and a boy, who keep her busy and motivated every day.

Aurelia is already making great connections with colleagues across the business and is looking forward to building strong, long-lasting friendships here at Warren Services.

We are delighted to have Aurelia on board and are excited to see her continue to grow and thrive within the team.

Warren helps bring new seating to the Bridge Theatre

/in , ,

At Warren, we take pride in contributing to exciting projects across various industries, and we were delighted to be part of the recent re-fit at the Bridge Theatre in London. In January, two of our talented team members, Will and Jed spent two days working on-site to install newly fabricated seating for the theatre.

The Bridge Theatre, known for its innovative performances and versatile staging, is undergoing some updates, and our team was tasked with fabricating a new seating area. With many contractors on-site, it was a busy and challenging environment.

Jed did a fantastic job navigating the complexities of the site and ensuring the installation went smoothly.

We’re proud to have played a role in enhancing one of London’s popular cultural venues. If your business needs expert fabrication and engineering services, Warren is here to help. Get in touch with us to find out how we can bring your vision to life with precision and expertise.

One of Our Own Hits the Stage: Jeff’s Country Band Debut

/in ,

We’re excited to share some fantastic news from our team – our very own Jeff Halpern has recently joined a country band!

Our first real gig on 28th March has been changed from The Elveden Inn to The British Legion in Brandon at 8.45pm. Maybe, just maybe, there’s someone at Warren Services who wants to put on their cowboy hat and do some dancing.

It’s always great to see the team’s talents shine outside of work, and Jeff’s musical adventure is no exception. If you’re a fan of country music (or just fancy a fun night out), this could be the perfect opportunity to support Jeff and show off your dance moves. Cowboy hats and boots optional, but highly encouraged!

Let’s cheer Jeff on as he takes the stage for what’s sure to be an brilliant debut performance!

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.