We’re proud to be shining a light on our very own electrician, Ron Avery, as he celebrates an extraordinary milestone of 60 years’ service at Gentoo.
Our colleagues at Gentoo recognise Ron for his dedication, consistency and passion for his trade but also as a great friend in the business. Ron has kindly shared his experience of his extremely impressive service here at Gentoo with us.
Joining Gentoo
Ron joined Gentoo in 1966, at just 16 years old (the same year England lifted the World Cup!) and six decades on, he remains a friendly, reliable and familiar presence here, still doing the job he loves.
Ron’s Gentoo story began at Eden Vale Depot, at a time when things looked very different to how they do today.
“My first day was at Eden Vale, back when the train still ran past the top of the yard,” Ron recalls. “I started out as an electrical apprentice, but for the first six months I worked in the office, answering phones, calling out emergency jobs and even handing out bus tokens to the trades.”
In the 60’s, tradespeople travelled to jobs by bus, carrying tools and materials with them, something that feels a world away from our colleagues out and about in their vans. After his time in the office, Ron moved into conversions and modernisations, carrying out rewires and developing his skills in the electrical trade.
Seeing Gentoo change and grow across six decades, Ron has witnessed so much change, but Ron told us about one moment that stands out.
“The biggest change was the transformation into Gentoo in 2001,” he explains. “At the time, there was a lot of fear about moving away from the council. People were worried everything would change, but in reality, work carried on and we adapted.”
Ron acknowledges that while some things were lost over the years, including local depots and familiar faces, Gentoo has continued to deliver and focus on customers.
“We used to have 18 local depots serving different areas,” he says. “Seeing people and places disappear while I stayed was challenging. But we have to modernise for our customers and now we work more efficiently and still provide the same level, if not a better, service.”
Pride in communities and people
One area where Ron feels we have continued to grow is our commitment to communities and our people, both our customers and colleagues.
“The charity work Gentoo does has come a long way,” he says. “You can really see the value it brings, and it feels like the organisation is always striving to do more.”
A career built on learning and consistency
When we asked Ron to describe his biggest achievement, he didn’t pick a single moment but focused on consistency and building achievements over time.
“Sixty years of consistency,” he says proudly. “Being reliable, keeping up with the pace, and even today I’m still happy to do the job!”
“I’ve had a lifelong interest in the electrical trade. Working here gave me the chance to get my qualifications and build experience over many years. The working conditions have always been good, and even now at 76 years old, I’m still learning!”
Working alongside friends and family
Alongside his passion for his trade, Ron has remained at Gentoo due to the friends and connections he has made along the way.
“The people I’ve met have kept me motivated and committed to my job. Over the years I’ve worked with some real characters, but also some of the nicest people you could hope to meet. That’s made a big difference.”
Ron’s story with Gentoo has come full circle, with his son Scott also working alongside him as an electrician. Scott joined Gentoo two and a half years ago after learning the trade from his Dad and hearing how great it was to work here.
“My Dad always told me stories about work, and although some days are challenging, he has always told me this was great place to work and what he said was true,” Scott says. “From the planners to the trade staff, it’s the people that make it. If I’m ever stuck, I know I can ring one of the team and they’ll help me out or point me to someone who can.”
Scott’s journey into a trade career was inspired by his Dad who supported him with a work experience placement at our Silksworth Depot, where he had the opportunity to work with different trades, including alongside Ron.
“After seeing what my Dad did, I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Scott explains. “I completed my apprenticeship at George V Cummins, which was at the Sheepfolds at the time, and I’ve never looked back.”
“I’m most proud of the people I work with here,” adds Scott. “There have been jobs where we needed to get finished, and we’ve all stayed to help, even when we can just go home. Those moments are what make me proud to be part of Gentoo.”
Still looking ahead
When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting at Gentoo, Ron focuses on dedication and enjoying your job.
“Stick in and enjoy your work. If you enjoy what you’re doing, learning becomes easier, and work becomes a pleasure.”
After 60 years of service, Ron’s story is one of loyalty, team work and being passionate and proud to deliver a brilliant service to our customers.
We’re all proud to celebrate Ron Avery’s remarkable journey, and the values he has passed on through his work and his family.
