Staff Success: Byron Downs – 20th anniversary at DPL

Byron Downs began his career at DPL Group in 2004 at just 16 years old, and now he celebrates his 20th Year at DPL! Over the years, he has carved an inspiring career path that has led him to become a highly skilled Electrician. Byron’s story is a testament to the potential for growth and success that can be achieved through dedication, hard work here at DPL. Here’s Byron’s story of his career path and the milestones that have defined his career.

“I started at DPL in July 2004 at the age of 16. There were only 6 people employed by the company at that point and Gary Dinsdale (Managing Director) was still on the tools.

I remember my first day when I was working at a Dingles Toyota Garage with Gary, we first stopped at an electrical wholesaler where he bought me all new tools and a tool bag which he handed over while saying “You’re going to earn every tool today, boy!”

The next thing I remember is being sat at home with a brand new tool bag but not having enough energy to show it off and I went straight to bed!

I served my 4-year apprenticeship doing various types of electrical work as well as fire alarm & data installation. As DPL complete various types of work, it has enabled me to learn and install various types of installations.

At age 23, I was about to have my daughter, Evie, which meant I needed more money. I spoke to Gary and he said DPL would help me and support me any way they could. He offered me the chance to run a bigger job in Wye, which progressed into earning more money and allowed me to buy a flat for my small family. 

From Wye to Brixton and onto a bigger site with eight electricians working for me, this was the biggest step I had taken and my most challenging job I had done. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong and there were times when I wanted to quit. But, whenever I felt like this I made a phone call to Gary who reassured me by saying ‘Don’t worry – these things happen, I have got your back. Don’t quit’. I’m glad to say I now look back at that job with a smile, knowing how much I learnt from that experience.

Whilst in Brixton, DPL provided me with two pay rises, allowing me to buy a house with my wife. I then had my second child, Ruben, and I asked to work closer to home. DPL made this happen for me.

I have now spent 19 years at DPL and I’m as happy today as I was back in 2004. I’d like to thank DPL for everything they have provided me with and I’m looking forward to many more years working here. 

The advice I would give to anybody that wants to get a trade would be to join DPL and work hard. They will back you all the way with any qualifications you require. DPL always reward anybody that wants to progress on their career path, to help you be as good as you can be.”

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