An apprentice at a Risley-based same-day courier service has been promoted to Logistics Co-ordinator ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16).
Isabelle Nickson (21) from Ashton-in-Makerfield, earned her promotion to the business-critical role at Today Team in recognition of her significant impact on sales and customer service.
“For a junior female apprentice to become a logistics co-ordinator in a fast-paced, male-centric, multi-million-pound nationwide business in under two years is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Today Team founder and managing director Jamie Boyd, who used to play for Warrington Wolves.
“On average, three out of every four new business enquiries Isabelle handles results in a sale. This has had a significant impact on our turnover, which has grown by 18% in the past 12 months and is projected to reach £3.2m in 2025-26. What we are most impressed with, however, is Isabelle’s attitude to customer service. She will go far in this business because she is bright, proactive, customer-focused and a team player.”
Isabelle (pictured left) is on course to secure a Distinction overall in her Level 3 Business Administration qualification with Warrington & Vale Royal College.
Isabelle’s tutor, Alison Jones, has praised her “positive attitude to work and study”, and selected Isabelle to be interviewed by Ofsted as an exemplary student. Alison has also nominated Isabelle as a ‘Rising Star’ as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
“I am really proud of how far I have come from when I first started,” said Isabelle. “I was very quiet, had never worked in an office and felt nervous about speaking to customers. Jamie and my supervisor, Martin Finnerty, had faith in me though. They reassured me that I could do it and told me to trust my instincts. It felt like a safe learning environment, and I got more confident with time. Now, when people ask me to do something, I’ve usually done it! I like to be proactive and useful, and I feel ready and excited for my new role.”
In the new year, Today Team welcomed 19-year-old Ethan Moran (pictured right) from Warrington, on board as full-time apprentice logistics controller – working towards a Level 2 Traffic Office qualification. The snow and ice conditions made for an interesting first week, but Jamie credits his newest starter with making a positive first impression.
“Ethan was thrown in at the deep end, but he rose to the challenge and has been taking everything in while learning on the job,” said Jamie, who has partnered with The National Logistics Academy to facilitate Ethan’s 12-month apprenticeship.
“Ethan wants to start and run his own business one day. That’s an ambition I can relate to for obvious reasons, and I am always open to mentoring future entrepreneurs, so this apprenticeship feels like a great fit on lots of levels.”
Today Team has been working with apprentices for a few years, and Jamie explained he strongly believes that hiring an apprentice is an effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified team.
“We’ve seen that these young people come with a natural affinity towards digital skills, and that continues to be an important factor in the success of our industry, now and in the future,” added Jamie, who is also an official mentor for The King’s Trust.
“I had a succession of organisations take a chance on me when I was younger – from Crosfields ARLFC to Warrington Wolves, to what was then known as The Prince’s Trust. From being included in rugby squads from the age of 16 to being approved for a business loan at just 24, many people backed my dreams. I am honoured to be able to pay that forward and invest in the next generation of logistics professionals.”
