Cailum Wilson’s Remarkable Academic Journey

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!”

A Decade of Dedication: Neil Coker’s 10-Year Milestone!

This month (November), we proudly marked a significant milestone as Neil Coker completed a decade of unwavering commitment to our business. Neil embarked on his journey with us as a data analyst in the finance department, showcasing his talents right from the start. Recognising his capabilities, Neil quickly transitioned into various roles within the company, including Quality, Health and Safety, and Quality Management Systems.

Over the years, Neil has guided us through numerous audits, and our expectation on auditing is now higher than it ever was. Starting our BSI journey with a single accreditation, we now proudly hold four:

ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
BS EN 1090-1:2009 + A1:2011 Execution of Steel and Aluminium Structures

Neil’s meticulous attention to detail and impeccable written communication have consistently set a high standard. He embodies the spirit of an employee who not only strives for excellence but also remains a steadfast and loyal member of our team. Interestingly, Neil is known for always apologising, even when he hasn’t put a foot wrong!

Despite the occasional ribbing Neil receives for the nature of his role, it’s crucial to acknowledge that he plays a pivotal part in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace, ensuring our continued success.

As we reflect on the past decade, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Neil for his tireless efforts, dedication, and instrumental role in navigating us through numerous customer audits, BSI audits, and HSE visits. Here’s to you, Neil – thank you for an outstanding 10 years!

New Career Opportunity – CNC Turner

Background – Warren Services Ltd is an established and highly successful Engineering Manufacturing business based in Thetford, Norfolk.  We have a permanent opportunity for a high caliber candidate to join the machine shop.  This is an excellent opportunity to join a rapidly growing and progressive organisation at an exciting time.

Reporting to: Machining Manager

Main Duties/Responsibilities

  • CNC experience is essential
  • Setting and Programming skills
  • Must be experienced to a good level but not necessarily apprentice trained
  • Fanuc based programming would be an advantage
  • Knowledge of Fusion 360 would be an advantage
  • You will be working independently a lot of the time.

Additional Duties

  • Undertake any other reasonable management request
  • To attend staff meetings when requested
  • Work flexibly where possible to support the business when needed
  • Attend training requested by the company which is linked to the development of your job role
  • Ensure waste is kept to a minimum to benefit both the company and the environment
  • Ensure your working area is kept tidy at all times and general housekeeping maintained to assist with H&S procedures.

Legal Duties

  • Attend any Health and Safety training when required
  • Ensure full compliance with all areas of Health and Safety as per company Health and Safety policy
  • Ensure full compliance with health and safety personal protective equipment including work boots, safety glasses, ear plugs, overalls as required by legislation and set out in company health and safety procedures.

Salary-depends on experience and qualifications.

Hours of work: 6.00am-2.00pm Monday to Friday with a 10 minute paid tea break and a 20 minute paid rest break. Any additional hours over 40 will be paid at overtime rate

Benefits:

  • 40 hours per week Mon-Fri
  • 31 days holiday (incl. Bank Holidays of which 3 must be taken at the Christmas shutdown)
  • Company Pension Scheme (eligible after a qualifying period)
  • Sick pay (eligible after a qualifying period)
  • Accident/Life Insurance (eligible after a qualifying period)
  • Wellbeing Service (eligible after a qualifying period).

This job description is designed to help you in the understanding of your role and is not intended to be a definitive list of your duties as flexibility in meeting company needs is required by all employees

Please send your CV, covering letter and salary expectation to: recruitment@warrenservices.co.uk

New Career Opportunity – CNC Miller

Background – Warren Services Ltd is an established and highly successful Engineering Manufacturing business based in Thetford, Norfolk.  We have a permanent opportunity for a high caliber candidate to join the machine shop.  This is an excellent opportunity to join a rapidly growing and progressive organisation at an exciting time.

Reporting to: Milling Supervisor

Main Duties/Responsibilities

  • CNC experience is essential
  • Setting and Programming skills
  • Must be experienced to a good level but not necessarily apprentice trained
  • Fanuc based programming would be an advantage
  • Knowledge of Fusion 360 would be an advantage
  • You will be working independently a lot of the time
  • Experience in food, oil/gas aerospace would be an advantage.

Additional Duties

  • Undertake any other reasonable management request
  • To attend staff meetings when requested
  • Work flexibly where possible to support the business when needed
  • Attend training requested by the company which is linked to the development of your job role
  • Ensure waste is kept to a minimum to benefit both the company and the environment
  • Ensure your working area is kept tidy at all times and general housekeeping maintained to assist with H&S procedures.

Legal Duties

  • Attend any Health and Safety training when required
  • Ensure full compliance with all areas of Health and Safety as per company Health and Safety policy
  • Ensure full compliance with health and safety personal protective equipment including work boots, safety glasses, ear plugs, overalls as required by legislation and set out in company health and safety procedures.

Salary-depends on experience and qualifications.

Hours of work: 6.00am-2.00pm Monday to Friday with a 10 minute paid tea break and a 20 minute paid rest break. Any additional hours over 40 will be paid at overtime rate.

Benefits

  • 31 days holiday (incl. Bank Holidays, of which 3 must be taken at the Christmas shutdown)
  • Company Pension Scheme (eligible after a qualifying period)
  • Sick pay (eligible after a qualifying period)
  • Accident/Life Insurance (eligible after a qualifying period)

This job description is designed to help you in the understanding of your role and is not intended to be a definitive list of your duties as flexibility in meeting company needs is required by all employees

Please apply in writing to Estee Ross with a covering letter and CV: recruitment@warrenservices.co.uk

New Career Opportunity – Welder/Fabricator

Background- Warren Services Ltd is an established and highly successful Engineering Manufacturing business based in Thetford, Norfolk. We have a permanent opportunity for a high caliber candidate to join the Welding area. This is an excellent opportunity to join a rapidly growing and progressive organisation at an exciting time.

Reporting to – Welding & Fabrication Manager Main Duties/Responsibilities

  • Skilled Fabricator and Welder
  • Must be confident with MIG Welding
  • Have the ability to work with steel of various thickness (Thin gauge – up to 30-40mm)
  • Able to interpret engineering drawings.

Preferred Skills:

  • Time served welder
  • Competent in quality control of own work
  • TIG welding experience
  • Ability to work on various materials such as Aluminium and Stainless steels.

Personal Attributes:

  • Reliable
  • Conscientious
  • Works well under pressure
  • Problem solving approach.

Additional Duties

Undertake any other reasonable management request
To attend staff meetings when requested
Work flexibly where possible to support the business when needed
Attend training requested by the company which is linked to the development of your job role
Ensure waste is kept to a minimum to benefit both the company and the environment
Ensure your working area is kept tidy at all times and general housekeeping maintained to assist with H&S procedures.

Legal Duties

Attend any Health and Safety training when required.
Ensure full compliance with all areas of Health and Safety as per company Health and Safety policy. Ensure full compliance with health and safety personal protective equipment including work boots, safety glasses, ear plugs, overalls as required by legislation and set out in company health and safety procedures.

Salary – dependent on experience and qualifications.

Hours of work – 6.00am-2.00pm Monday to Friday with a 10 minute paid tea break and a 20 minute paid rest break. Any additional hours over 40 will be paid at overtime rate

Benefits

  • 31 days holiday (incl. Bank Holidays, of which 3 must be taken at the Christmas shutdown)
  • Company Pension Scheme (eligible after a qualifying period)
  • Sick pay (eligible after a qualifying period)
  • Accident/Life Insurance (eligible after a qualifying period)

This job description is designed to help you in the understanding of your role and is not intended to be a definitive list of your duties as flexibility in meeting company needs is required by all employees.

Please apply in writing to Estee Ross with a covering letter and CV: recruitment@warrenservices.co.uk

Welcoming Four New Apprentices to Warren in 2023

At Warren, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of four new apprentices for the year 2023. These promising individuals will be embarking on a transformative journey in the field of engineering, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them on board.

4 new apprentices Reagit Norwich

A new beginning at Reagit training facility
Our four new starters have embarked on an educational adventure at the Reagit training facility in Norwich. This brand new institution is building a reputation for nurturing and developing young talent in various technical fields, making it the ideal place for these aspiring young people to kickstart their careers.

new welding apprentices Reagit Norwich

Level 2 General Welding Apprenticeships
All four of our apprentices have chosen to specialise in Level 2 welding. Welding is a critical skill in the world of engineering, and we are confident that these individuals will not only excel but also contribute significantly to the industry’s advancement.

Welding, often referred to as the “art of joining metals,” requires precision, skill, and a keen eye for detail. It plays a pivotal role in constructing everything from infrastructure to machinery, and our apprentices are set to become the craftsmen and craftswomen behind these essential creations.

A warm welcome to our new team members
Warren takes great pride in fostering young talent and providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. We believe in the power of education and hands-on experience to shape the engineers of tomorrow.

To our four new apprentices, we extend our warmest welcome. Your journey with us is not just an opportunity for personal growth but also a chance to contribute to the exciting field of engineering. We have no doubt that you will excel and become integral members of our team.

Wishing them a bright future
As our new apprentices begin their studies and practical training, we want to wish them all the best for their future endeavours. The path ahead may be challenging, but it’s also filled with incredible opportunities for learning, innovation, and personal growth.

At Warren, we are committed to supporting our apprentices every step of the way. We look forward to seeing them grow, develop, and ultimately, leave their mark on the world of engineering.

Welcome to Warren, and here’s to a bright and successful future!

Warren 4 new apprentices welding

Welcoming Brandon: A Fresh Face to Our Team

We have a great new addition to our team. Here’s a message directly from Brandon himself…

Hello everyone, I am thrilled to introduce myself as the newest member of this incredible team! My name is Brandon, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to join this dynamic organisation on the Business Development Team.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I have received so far. The positive energy and support I have encountered have truly made me feel at home from the moment I stepped through the door.
Let me share a little bit about my interests and background. Magic has always been a passion of mine, being able to bring joy and a sense of wonder to people’s lives is an amazing feeling. I look forward to sharing some of my tricks and illusions with everyone. Get ready to be amazed!

Another interest of mine is problem-solving. I love the challenge of solving Rubik’s cubes and unravelling intricate puzzles. It’s not so much the solution but finding and cracking a difficult problem gives me that rush of adrenaline and “Eureka!” moment.
Sport is another area that takes up a lot of my time. From football to rugby, to boxing and MMA, I love watching any and all sports! Admittedly I can get a little bit too involved in a match or fight and tend to throw the odd curse word here or there.

And while I’m not doing any of the above, I’m probably spending the majority of my time cooking. A self- proclaimed chef of the home kitchen, there is nothing more relaxing than putting on some music and cooking; it’s almost ritualistic if I must say so.
Thank you all for the warm welcome and support. I am looking forward to becoming fully immersed within the team and getting to know everyone more.

– Brandon

Craig Birch – Celebrating 20 Years of Dedication (and Love!) at Warren

In a remarkable journey that spans two decades, we take a moment to write about Craig Birch, an integral part of our team at Warren. This month marks his 20th anniversary with us, a milestone that reflects his unwavering commitment and passion for his craft.

Craig’s story with Warren began straight out of school at the Old School Feltwell. It was his father who initiated this journey, approaching us with a simple question: Was there a place for his son in our team? And that single enquiry set the wheels in motion for what would be a remarkable tenure. Guided by Squeak, and buoyed by the support of Dave Banwell, Craig embarked on his path, learning the art of turning. His educational foundation took shape through an apprenticeship at West Suffolk College, where practical skills intertwined with theoretical knowledge.

Though not one to be buried in paperwork, Craig found his balance with Sophie’s assistance, triumphing over the academic aspects of his college work. As they say, the rest became history – a history adorned with achievements, growth, and a little touch of romance.

Love often finds its way into unexpected corners of life, and for Craig, it blossomed right here at Warren. Collaborating closely with Suzie on a Business Improvement course kindled a connection that transcended the confines of the workplace. Over time, this connection deepened and flourished, culminating in a joyous wedding celebration. Both Craig and Suzie became an integral part of our Warren family, contributing their skills and dedication to our shared journey.

While life sometimes takes us on divergent paths, it’s heartening to share that Suzie, after a stint with another company, has rejoined our team at Brickfields. Her return brings a renewed sense of camaraderie and shared purpose to our community.

As a machinist, Craig might not always be the tidiest, but his work ethic, unswerving dedication, and commitment to quality are second to none. His workspace consists of his own cell, housing an array of machines including the two Citizen sliding head machines and the new Haas ST25. These machines hum with productivity, guided by Craig’s expert touch. And thanks to his proficiency, even when customer demand is high, they occasionally run autonomously thanks to the bar feed system.

Beyond his technical skills, Craig’s benevolent spirit shines through. Always eager to impart his knowledge and lend a helping hand to newcomers and colleagues alike, he personifies the essence of a team player.

Away from the workshop, Craig and Suzie’s shared love for rock music and their bohemian spirit come to life. They seize weekends for spontaneous adventures in their trusty van, embracing the freedom to explore and make memories.

Their passion extends to gastronomy as well, both being avid food enthusiasts. Suzie, in particular, has found a new avenue for her talents – crafting delectable baked goods that have garnered praise far and wide. Her cakes, a testament to her culinary artistry, never fail to amaze!

In celebrating Craig’s 20 years of service, we also celebrate the human connections that enrich our workplace. His journey symbolises the harmony between dedication and love, between mastering the art of machining and crafting a life filled with shared experiences. As we toast to the past two decades, we eagerly anticipate the chapters yet to be written in the story of Craig Birch and Warren.

Suzie’s Return: A Boomerang Tale

Guess who’s back? The prodigal team member, known fondly as “Boomerang Birch,” has returned to the fold at Warren – and there’s a lot to catch up on!

Here’s a message from Suzie…

Uh Oh! Boomerang Birch is back…
After almost 14 years of service to Warren, working my way up from the bottom, I decided I needed to try something new…

I left Warren 18 months ago to try a different company and a different role… Whilst I did learn a lot about myself there, gained some other new skills and found another great bunch of people to work with, the role really wasn’t for me. What else have I been up to in the meantime?

To de-stress myself, I turned my baking hobby into a small business! Some of the Brandon dwellers of Warren have popped in to see me (Baker 39); I have a little stall at The Original Factory Shop in Brandon as part of their scheme to promote small businesses. I am also lucky enough to supply a lovely tearoom in Brandon with delicious baked goods too! I also try to get myself to local community fairs/fetes as well. It’s really helped me be part of my local community and I LOVE chatting the day away with people at my stall!

A big thanks to those that support me 🙂

So here I am again! This time I’m in a different role, supporting Sophie and the team with all things Tech Grocer, and I’m sure there will be other things along the way. It’s great to see so many familiar faces again – I have missed you! Also spotted some new faces, and I look forward to getting to know you too.

– Suzie

Danny Goodman – 10 Year Anniversary

Here’s a big shoutout to Danny Goodman, for reaching an incredible milestone of 10 years of dedicated service! Danny has been a rockstar over the past decade, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement. We’re thrilled to announce that he has recently taken on the role of leading our Quality department, in addition to heading up our Turning department.

Danny’s journey with us began on what was the old night shift, working from 6pm until 6am on a 4-on-4-off pattern as a skilled machinist. It didn’t take long for his exceptional problem-solving and people skills to shine through, earning him a promotion to shift manager and later to running the day shift turning department.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Danny for his unwavering loyalty throughout the years. We eagerly anticipate celebrating many more milestones and achievements together in the future. And who knows, if you’re lucky enough Danny, we might buy you a pint down the pub to celebrate – which will be an achievement itself! Cheers, Danny!

Danny Goodman with Lee Charlton, our Operations Director