From T Level to Apprentice: Meet Toni-Leigh Bowler
Toni-Leigh completed her T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction at Middlesbrough College in 2024, gaining the technical knowledge, industry experience and confidence to take her next step into an apprenticeship with EDF Energy.
Since then, she has completed her Level 3 Health, Safety and Environment Technician qualification with Distinction and is now progressing into Health Physics and radiological protection.
Her journey shows how the combination of technical study, industry experience and an apprenticeship can open the door to a career in a highly specialised industry.
Toni-Leigh said: “T Levels were still relatively new when I chose my course. I liked that I could gain an advanced Level 3 qualification alongside practical industry experience.
“I went to an open event at Middlesbrough College and saw work produced by current students. I already had an interest in health and safety, so finding out that it was part of the course really stood out to me.
“The combination of technical knowledge, written work, communication skills and a substantial industry placement was something I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
“I completed several work placements. My main placement was with A&N Safety Consultants at Boho One, where I worked alongside a health and safety consultant supporting a range of workplaces, particularly in construction. She became a mentor and is still someone I keep in contact with today.
“The T Level gave me a great foundation. I learned about health and safety, construction, surveying and design. I also learned how to interpret technical information and CAD drawings.”
While at college, Toni-Leigh gained confidence in herself and this allowed her to do things she never thought she would ever do.
“When I started college, I was extremely anxious and wasn’t naturally confident speaking to people. By the time I finished, I was a completely different person.
“The presentations, placements and opportunities to work with industry taught me how to communicate professionally and adapt to different people.
“I use that skill every day. I can speak to people from different departments and levels of seniority, ask questions and build working relationships.”
Her tutors also played a huge part in helping her complete her course.
“They were brilliant. I genuinely don’t think I would have completed the course without the support of some of my tutors.
“Between my first and second year, I became pregnant, which made completing the qualification more challenging. My tutors gave me the support and flexibility I needed while still encouraging me to achieve what they knew I was capable of.”
“They were also incredibly knowledgeable. If I became interested in a topic, they recommended additional reading and resources and encouraged me to explore it beyond the course
requirements. “I still have a huge amount of respect for them. They did not just help me achieve a qualification; they played an important part in helping me get to where I am now.”
After completing her T Level, Toni-Leigh progressed onto EDF Energy’s Safety, Health and Environment Apprenticeship Scheme at Hartlepool Power Station.
“A lot of the underpinning knowledge in my apprenticeship was already familiar because of the T Level. Rather than starting from scratch, I could build on what I had learned and develop those skills in a nuclear environment.”
Toni-Leigh is now having her “full circle moment”, giving back to the College by supporting current T Level students.
“I have mentored students studying Civil Engineering, Design and Quantity Surveying, helping them with research, presentations and developing health and safety solutions.
“It feels like a full-circle moment. A few years ago, I was the T Level student receiving support and trying to work out what life after college might look like. Now I’m working in the nuclear industry and can provide some of that support to the students following behind me.”
When asked what is next, Toni-Leigh said:
“I am studying towards the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma, so I want to continue developing my technical knowledge and professional qualifications alongside the experience I am gaining at EDF.
“I want to work in a position where I can have a strong and positive influence on people’s safety.
“In the long term, I want to progress into roles with greater responsibility, where I can influence safety culture, support others entering the industry and make a meaningful difference.”
To anyone considering a T Level. Toni-Leigh says:
“Take every opportunity that comes your way. Get involved in placements, speak to employers, attend events and volunteer for projects.
“Don’t automatically say no to something just because it feels outside your comfort zone. Some of the opportunities I took while at college are still helping me years later.”
If you’re inspired by Toni-Leigh’s story and want to kickstart a career of your own, apply for a course at Middlesbrough College today!
Whether you’re leaving school this year or looking to change direction, we have something for everyone.