Apprenticeship Success Story: Lewis Brown

A new Director at DPL Group who started his career as an electrical apprentice says apprenticeships are the ‘heartbeat’ of the company.

Lewis Brown, who joined DPL Group in 2008 straight after completing his A-levels, was appointed a director at the business in October last year.

Starting on DPL’s apprenticeship scheme, Lewis’ talents were quickly recognised, and he moved his way up through the company’s ranks.

He said: “I think as a business, apprenticeships are the heartbeat of DPL.

“I have a wry smile when new apprentices come to see me and ask what opportunities are there for progression within the company, and I get to tell them my story. “I am a great example of where an apprenticeship can take you.”

Following his four-year apprenticeship, Lewis earned a role as a junior electrical engineer, then an electrical engineer and later moved into estimating and project management.

He was later promoted to Contracts Manager and then subsequently, Associate Director.

Lewis said apprenticeships had been at the heart of the business’ ethos from the start.

He said: “Being family owned and locally run, DPL has a history of giving people the chance to do apprenticeships, and if they want to progress there’s plenty of opportunities for them.

“That’s just been our ethos throughout the years.

“It’s advantageous for us as a business too – if we can train someone up and encourage them to work and deliver results in the ‘DPL way’, they become a more well-rounded individual, and allow us to continue to offer the service our clients have been accustomed to receive.

“It’s great to see people take that journey and develop, not just as employees but as individuals, and friends.”

Lewis said, having started at the company as a youngster, he was proud to be taking on a Director’s role.

“It’s a bit surreal now, being one of the Directors here.. but it’s also a very proud moment for me and I look forward to being able to assist in driving the business forward,” he said.

“It also gives me the chance to give other people the same opportunities I have had within the company.”