New Career Opportunity – Welder/Fabricator

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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

Personal Attributes:

  • Reliable
  • Conscientious
  • Works well under pressure
  • Problem solving approach
  • Able to work both independently and as part of a team.

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 – 6am-2pm Monday to Friday OR
2.00pm-12.00pm Monday to Thursday OR
2.00pm-10.30pm Monday to Thursday and 1.30pm-7.30pm on 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

  • 32 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: hr@warrenservices.co.uk

Welcoming Four New Apprentices to Warren in 2023

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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

Welder Luke’s Farewell Bash: A Night to Remember!

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On Saturday 2nd September, Warren bid a fond farewell to one of its finest, Luke Elder. Luke’s leaving drinks turned out to be an epic celebration filled with laughter, good times, and heartfelt goodbyes.

Over 20 of us gathered to give Luke the send-off he deserved, as colleagues, friends, and well-wishers joined forces to make the evening unforgettable.

Our journey through the night took us to a couple of local pubs and then onto a couple of lively bars. The night unfolded with lots of drinks, and dancing.

Luke showed incredible restraint, opting not to indulge in the drinks, as he had an early departure to Gatwick the following day! Luke is embarking on a year-long adventure in Australia, combining work and travel. While it’s a loss for us here at Warren, we can’t help but feel excited for Luke’s upcoming experiences and the stories he’ll bring back.

To Luke, we wish you the most incredible journey Down Under!

Welcoming Brandon: A Fresh Face to Our Team

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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

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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

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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

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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

Allen Towler’s Retirement

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Allen Towler retires, after 23 years service.

Allen started with us back in the Old School at Feltwell. Allen is traditionally a turner; mostly manual, but he moved over to CNC on the small Haas machine later. It’s only at times like this that you reflect on the past.

Founder and Owner of Warren, Richard Bridgen said, “After we started doing the winch drums, they were getting bigger and bigger in diameter, as well as longer. I can remember taking Allen to a machine tool dealer in Newmarket, to look at a long bed lathe that we bought. Once installed, that was the beginning of our journey into the really big drums.

“I can still see Allen wearing a pair of metal studded gauntlets (a bit like chainmail) pulling the swarf away in long lengths when scrolling the grooves; this was highly dangerous work.

“To mark Allen’s retirement after 23 years, Sharon and I wanted to take him and his wife Val out for a meal. As Squeak is a good friend of Alan’s we invited him as well. After a lot of thought, we all decided on Valley Connection an Indian restaurant in Bury. Alan does a bit of Indian cooking so he knows all the spices and dishes. I agreed to act as chauffeur so they could all have a drink. The food was wonderful and was enjoyed by all. We had a good chat about the old days and how Warren has changed over the years. It’s always great to get together and reflect on the past. Currently, Allen was still working through his job list. I suggested he might need to get back to his fishing. After leaving the restaurant, we all enjoyed a walk around the town, as it was such a lovely warm evening.

“Everyone at Warren wishes Allen well and here is a very personal ‘thank you’ from Sharon and I, for those 23 years (what a journey!).”

Allen Towler retired from Warren on Friday 19th May. We wish him all the best for his retirement.

Roy recently retired in late 2022

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Roy is one of the real oldies, he started with us at the old School in Feltwell in 1994. As far as I can remember, he has only ever worked on milling machines for us. That might be the case but Roy has always been up for a challenge and nothing really fazes him. To this day, he has only worked on the smaller sized mills, originally manual and later the small toolroom type from Haas.

He has undertaken some of the longest jobs we have ever done, lots of times we have had to move his mill around so the long jobs can go along the gangway.

Many of the milling staff supported Roy in coming to grips with the CNC programming and in turn, Roy has supported and helped many apprentices over the years with his experience.

He is quite a character and will be missed by everyone who has worked with him. Roy has been wholly reliable – his attention to detail, work rate and attendance is exemplary.

All of us will miss him but we hope he enjoys retirement with his wife Carol, whom we have gotten to know over the years.

So Roy, you’ll have lots more opportunities for walking with Carol and the dog now. Do drop back in sometime to say hello.