Tuesday, 02 December 2025
An apprentice technician from the University of Nottingham has been recognised for her achievements at the Department for Education’s National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards.
Tyler Harvey-Cowlishaw is Senior Research Technician undertaking an apprenticeship in the School of Life Sciences at the university, and was highly commended in the Degree Level Apprentice of the year category.
The awards are designed to recognise and reward the achievements of exceptional apprentices and T level students, skills champions alongside apprenticeship and T Level employers.
Tyler's career began as a teen mum on a Level 3 apprenticeship, determined to continue her education while supporting her son. She's since progressed to Level 6, welcomed her baby daughter, and built a career her children can be proud of.
She founded the Science Apprenticeship Forum, leads national conferences, ensuring apprentices' voices help shape the future, exceeding expectations by using her journey to inspire others.
At the University Tyler is a valuable member of the technician team, providing vital laboratory support for research in Life Sciences. In addition to her technical role, Tyler also Chair of the Science Apprenticeship Forum where she helps lead initiatives to advance science apprenticeships, aiming to bridge the gap between apprentice experience and industry needs.
Tyler Harvey-Cowlishaw
Commenting on the award, Tyler said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be Highly Commended at the National Apprenticeship & Skills Awards. This recognition from HM Government means so much, and I am grateful to everyone who has supported my journey, from mentors, colleagues and the wider apprenticeship community. I’m proud to champion science apprenticeships and excited to keep pushing for stronger pathways for future technical talent.”
Jodie Chatfield, Head of Technical Services in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham, said: “Having supported Tyler from the beginning as a new apprentice, growing in skills, ability and knowledge, it is a proud moment to see her achieve her degree apprenticeship, and to get national recognition for her achievements is outstanding. Tyler is an inspiration to all.”
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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