Every company has an origin story, and ours begins in 2015 with a simple observation: the industrial automation sector had a massive skills gap, and traditional training was not keeping pace with industry demands.
The Beginning
Wartens Ltd was founded with a clear mission — to bridge the gap between engineering education and industry needs. The founders recognised that while universities taught theory, employers needed engineers who could programme a PLC, configure a SCADA system, and commission a control panel from day one.
Starting with a small team and a handful of PLC training kits, the company set out to build training programmes that combined rigorous theory with intensive hands-on practice. The focus was always on practical, employable skills delivered by engineers who had worked in the field.
Building EDWartens
EDWartens emerged as the education and training arm of the Wartens ecosystem. The name reflects the core mission: Education by Wartens. From the outset, EDWartens differentiated itself through:
- CPD-accredited programmes that meet independently verified quality standards
- Hands-on training with real Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLC hardware
- Industry-experienced instructors who bring real project knowledge to the classroom
- Career support including CV review, interview preparation, and employer introductions
What started as in-person courses at a single location quickly expanded to serve students across the UK and internationally.
Growth and Expansion
By 2020, EDWartens had trained thousands of engineers and built a reputation for quality that attracted attention from major employers. The company expanded its course catalogue to cover:
- Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1500 programming
- Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and Studio 5000
- SCADA system configuration
- Industrial networking and cybersecurity
- VR-based training using Meta Quest headsets
The introduction of virtual reality training marked a significant innovation. By simulating industrial environments in VR, students could practise scenarios that would be dangerous or impossible to recreate in a traditional classroom.
The Wartens Ecosystem
As the company grew, it became clear that training alone was not enough to solve the industry's challenges. The Wartens team began developing complementary products and platforms:
- OFORO AI — An AI-powered recruitment platform matching engineers with employers
- nxtED AI — A microlearning platform delivering bite-sized technical education
- OSCABE AI — Computer vision technology for industrial quality control
- 3BOX AI — AI infrastructure platform
- SEEKOF — A job search platform specifically for engineers
- roboTED — A robotics education initiative inspiring the next generation
Each product addresses a specific gap in the engineering ecosystem, from education through to employment and professional development.
Global Reach
Today, EDWartens operates across the UK, UAE, and the United States, with plans for further expansion. The company has trained over 30,000 engineers globally and built a hiring network of more than 50 partner companies.
Looking Forward
The Wartens story is still being written. With investments in AI, VR, and robotics education, the company is positioned at the forefront of engineering training innovation. The mission remains unchanged: equipping engineers with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly automated world.
From a startup in 2015 to a global training provider a decade later, the journey reflects what is possible when you combine deep industry knowledge with genuine passion for education and innovation.