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Shining a Light on Apprentices at Speedy Freight Liverpool, Chester, Wirral, Wrexham, and Crewe
This week, we are highlighting the apprentices within John Powell’s team. John is Franchisee and General Manager of Speedy Freight Liverpool, Chester, Wrexham, and Crewe and has long championed the value of apprenticeships for individuals and businesses alike.
A perfect example of that impact is Danielle Varney, now Branch Manager, who started with Speedy Freight as an apprentice over ten years ago. Her journey shows what apprenticeships can lead to: long-term growth, leadership, and a successful career in logistics.
Today, Danielle continues that cycle of support, helping new apprentices thrive in the same environment that helped shape her own career. Alongside her, three current apprentices from John Powell’s branches, Becca, Natalia, and Jonathan, share their experiences of learning, developing, and progressing within the team.
The Importance and Value of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a vital part of workforce development, offering the ideal balance between formal learning and real-world application. They provide individuals with the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications while developing practical skills, confidence, and experience in a professional environment.
They also equip people with Skills for Life, preparing them not only for their current role but for long-term career progression. Apprenticeships support personal growth, strengthen employability, and open clear pathways into sustainable careers.
For employers, apprenticeships are equally valuable. They help businesses build a skilled and motivated workforce, develop talent from within, and ensure teams are ready to meet future challenges.
At Speedy Freight, apprenticeships are seen as a key investment in people and in the future of the logistics industry. By supporting the next generation, nurturing talent, and building expertise across the network, we continue to create opportunities that benefit individuals, branches, and the wider transport sector.
Q&A With Danielle Varney, Branch Manager
You started your career at Speedy Freight as an apprentice over 12 years ago, what inspired you to take that first step?
I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn on the job rather than go to university. Speedy Freight felt like the right place to grow, gain real experience, and start building a career straight away.
How did your apprenticeship shape your skills, knowledge, and approach to work?
It taught me how to work confidently with customers and colleagues. I learned how to stay communicate properly and handle busy days. It helped me understand how the business works.
Looking back, how did your apprenticeship prepare you for a leadership role?
Starting at the bottom, have experience every role in the branch which I learned by watching John Powell, taking on more responsibility bit by bit, and building my confidence. It helped me understand how to support and teach my colleagues myself.
What do you enjoy most about supporting apprentices in your branch today?
It’s great being able to help them learn new things and feel more confident in the job. Watching their progress and become part of the team is great to see.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship as a career path?
An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to build real experience while learning valuable skills and it’s a brilliant way to start a career and figure out what you’re really good at and what you enjoy
And finally, a thank you to John Powell!
A big thank you to John Powell for all his support over the years. He’s played a huge part in my development, and I’m really grateful for everything he’s helped me achieve.
He’s not just a great boss, we’ve also built a really strong friendship, and I’m genuinely grateful for everything he’s helped me achieve
And a massive thank you to my wonderful team too. Their support, hard work, and positivity make every day easier, and I’m very lucky to work with such a brilliant group of people.
Q&A With Becca Davidson, Sales Executive
Area of Study: Operation & Sales
What inspired you to start an apprenticeship with Speedy Freight?
I wanted an apprenticeship because I liked the idea of learning on the job and gaining real experience rather than just doing coursework sat in a classroom. Speedy Freight stood out as a fast-paced business, and after speaking with John Powell, I felt it would be a great place to learn sales skills and develop in a supportive environment.
What key skills and knowledge have you gained so far?
I’ve learned a lot about how sales and operations work day to day, especially when it comes to speaking with customers, understanding their needs, and building relationships. I’ve also gained a better understanding of the logistics industry, how to manage leads, create quotes, and use systems. My confidence and communication skills have definitely improved since starting
Can you share a challenge you’ve faced and how you handled it?
One of the main challenges was building confidence when speaking to new customers. At the beginning it felt quite daunting, but with support and advice from John Powell, Danielle, and the rest of the team, I started to feel more comfortable. By practising regularly and learning from feedback, it became much easier.
How has the apprenticeship prepared you for the future?
The apprenticeship has helped me gain real workplace experience and develop skills that I can use long term. It’s given me confidence in a sales role, a better understanding of the industry, and a clearer idea of how I can progress my career within sales and logistics.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
I’d say just keep an open mind and be willing to learn. Make the most of the support around you, take feedback on board, and don’t be scared to push yourself a bit. An apprenticeship is a good way to get experience, build confidence, and start a career while learning as you go.
Q&A With Natalia Pustelnik, Operations
Area of study: Operations & Sales
What inspired you to start an apprenticeship with Speedy Freight?
I was inspired to start an apprenticeship with Speedy Freight because it offered the perfect balance of hands-on experience and learning. Speedy Freight is a fast-paced logistics company with a strong reputation, and I liked the idea of gaining real industry knowledge while developing practical skills. Being involved in both operations and sales was especially appealing, as it gave me an insight into how different teams work together. College wasn’t the right path for me, as I learn best through practical experience. Choosing an apprenticeship turned out to be a wonderful opportunity that I could earn while learning, build confidence, and gain real-world skills from day one. It’s shown me that there are many paths to success, and this was the right choice for me.
What key skills and knowledge have you gained so far?
During my apprenticeship, I’ve developed a wide range of skills. In operations, I’ve learned how to manage bookings, track consignments, organise deliveries, and resolve issues quickly in a fast-paced moving environment. I’ve strengthened my problem-solving skills by handling last-minute changes, and customer queries calmly and efficiently. On the sales side, I’ve built confidence in communication, customer service, and relationship-building. I’ve learned to speak professionally with customers, provide accurate quotes, and help the business growth. I’ve also improved my time management, organisation and teamwork which has made me more confident and capable in my role.
Can you share a challenge you’ve faced and how you handled it?
One challenge I’ve faced is manging last minute requirements while maintaining excellent customer service. Logistics can be unpredictable, so when last minutes changes happen or a problem occurs, I stay calm, communicate clearly with customers, and work closely with the team to find solutions.
How has the apprenticeship prepared you for the future?
The apprenticeship has prepared me for the future by giving me practical experience and transferable skills that can be used in many roles. While I haven’t decided on my next step yet, the experience in operations and sales has given me the confidence to move into a full-time role when the time comes. It has also helped me understand what I enjoy most in a working environment, giving me the chance to find a career I truly love.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
If you are considering an apprenticeship, I would say go for it! Apprenticeships offer the chance to gain practical experience while learning valuable skills. By fully engaging in the role, you’ll build confidence, gain experience, and discover what you enjoy most in your career.
Many thanks to...
I’d like to give a genuine thank you to John Powell, for all the support he’s given me throughout my apprenticeship. From day one, he’s taken the time to guide me, answer questions, and share his experience, which has made a huge difference to my confidence and development. John has always been approachable and encouraging, especially when things get busy or challenging, and I’ve learned a lot from working alongside him. I’m really grateful for his support and for the opportunity to learn from someone so knowledgeable within Speedy Freight. I’d also like to give a special thanks to Danielle, my branch manager, who has always been by my side throughout my apprenticeship. Danielle is truly an inspiration — having started as an apprentice herself and now leading the branch as manager, she demonstrates that this path can lead to real career growth. Her support and example motivate me every day to learn, improve, and aim high in my own career.
Q&A Jonathan Pustelnik – Traffic Planner
Area of Study: Operations Manager Level 5 Course
What inspired you to start an apprenticeship with Speedy Freight?
Seeing John and how he operates within the business really inspired me. Watching his work ethic and success made me want to follow a similar path in the logistics sector and develop my own career with Speedy Freight.
What key skills and knowledge have you gained so far?
I’ve gained valuable knowledge in EU exports and imports, particularly around customs requirements and documentation, practically knowing it by heart now! I’ve also developed strong problem-solving skills through these jobs.
Can you share a challenge you’ve faced and how you handled it?
One of the main challenges I faced at the start was managing driver breakdowns and understanding the recovery procedures. It was difficult at first, but by asking questions, learning from colleagues, and gaining hands-on experience, I became more confident and very efficient in handling these situations.
How has the apprenticeship prepared you for the future?
The apprenticeship has given me a wealth of experience within the logistics sector. It has helped me build practical skills, industry knowledge, and confidence, which will be essential for progressing my career in operations and management.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Just do it, you won’t regret it. It’s a great opportunity to learn, gain experience, and set yourself up for a successful future career.
Q&A With John Powell, General Manager
Why do you believe apprenticeships are important for the business and the industry?
I believe these are important not just for businesses but for young people to be given an opportunity in the industry.
How have apprentices contributed to your team or branch?
They contribute by having a willingness to learn and try, understand the business and to integrate into the team and work together.
Can you share a story of an apprentice who impressed you or made a significant impact?
Danielle joined us aged 18 on a Customer Service Apprenticeship. Fast forward 12 years, Danielle is now a Branch Manager! We have invested a huge amount of time developing Danielle’s skills and continue to support her now. She's a great success story, highlighting how beneficial apprenticeships can be for both businesses and apprentices.
What skills or qualities do you look for in an apprentice?
That's simple. I look for a positive attitude, eagerness to learn new skills, and a desire to be the best!
What advice would you give other business owners about supporting and taking on apprentices?
Give them a chance. There are some real rough diamonds out there, but you need to invest your time and experience with them as they come in with zero experience. Any bad habits or lack of training and support will come from us as the Management Team. They are not here to make cups of tea!
Building the Future Through Apprenticeships
The stories coming from John Powell’s Liverpool, Chester, Wrexham, and Crewe branches highlight exactly why apprenticeships matter. They create real opportunities, open clear career pathways, and help individuals gain the skills needed in a fast-moving logistics industry.
From Danielle’s progression from apprentice to Branch Manager, to the apprentices currently developing their confidence and expertise across sales and operations, continue to invest in people who will shape the future of our network.
Apprenticeships are not just about learning a job. They are about building careers, strengthening teams, and ensuring the logistics industry has the talent it needs for years to come.
This National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we're proud to celebrate our apprentices and the leaders like John Powell who champion their success every step of the way!
To learn more about apprenticeships and career opportunities at Speedy Freight, visit our Careers page.
