Craig Stevely

The flexibility offered by The Open University (OU) in Scotland has made it possible for Craig Stevely to gain a First-Class Honours degree in Engineering, whilst balancing the demands of working offshore and family life. Since graduating, he has taken up a Chief Electrician job abroad.

After leaving school at aged 16 to start an electrical apprenticeship, Craig, now 37 and from Clackmannanshire, was working offshore in Scotland as an electrician in the drilling industry when he decided to pursue his passion for engineering.

He explains: “I chose to study for an engineering degree to formalise my knowledge, build on my hands-on experience, and open up new opportunities in both my career and personal ventures.

“The flexibility offered by the OU was a key factor in my decision. As someone working offshore with a demanding schedule, I needed an institution that would allow me to balance study with work and family life.”

‘Real drive to see it through’

Undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree over a nine-year period, Craig admits that it takes “significant commitment” to study this way.

“It requires more than just academic ability – you need strong time management, discipline, and a real drive to see it through. Having a solid support network is also essential, not just for encouragement but for giving you a boot up the backside when needed!” he says.

Studying while working offshore presented distinctive challenges. The OU’s support, including flexible deadlines and downloadable resources, ensured I could keep up with my studies."

"A standout experience was my tutor,” Craig explains. “She demonstrated a high level of professionalism and went above and beyond to ensure students got the most out of the course. 

“She was proactive in providing information, clarifying content, and ensuring students were supported.

“Recognising that many of us had busy professional and personal commitments, she surveyed students before tutorials to schedule them at times that suited the majority. 

“Her dedication and encouragement were invaluable, and she is a credit to the university.”

Part of Craig's study fees were funded by his employer at the time. 

Craig adds: “Studying while working offshore presented distinctive challenges, particularly with time zone differences and inconsistent internet access. 

“However, the OU’s support, including flexible deadlines and downloadable resources, ensured I could keep up with my studies.”

‘New career opportunities’

Craig chose to focus on energy, renewables, design and innovation during module selection, which enabled him to study content relevant to both his workplace and own personal interests.

“The ability to apply theory directly to my job at the time was invaluable,” Craig explains. 

“Concepts related to engineering systems, risk management, and innovation were immediately useful in my work, and I found myself solving real-world challenges with the tools and knowledge I gained from my degree.

Completing my BEng (Hons) in Engineering...demonstrated my commitment to professional development and undoubtedly helped me secure my current Chief Electrician position."

“The degree itself was tailored to those working in an engineering field, which allowed for certain modules to be completed using my work environment as subject matter. 

“This allowed me to develop the skills, absorb the knowledge, and apply the techniques in real time.”

Along with taking on greater responsibility and contributing more effectively to key projects, Craig says gaining his BEng degree “opened up new career opportunities and strengthened my credentials in the engineering sector”.

From working on a North Sea semi-submersible drilling rig as an Electronic Technician before graduating, Craig is now Chief Electrician for a Malaysian energy company, and is based offshore in the Gulf of Thailand on a specialist tender assisted drilling rig. 

“I am responsible for the maintenance, reliability and technical management of the rig's electrical systems, supporting safe drilling operations around the clock,” says Craig. “It has been a fantastic opportunity to broaden my experience by working in a different operating environment and alongside a multinational workforce.

“Completing my BEng (Hons) in Engineering gave me a much broader understanding of engineering principles and strengthened my technical confidence.

“It demonstrated my commitment to professional development and undoubtedly helped me secure my current Chief Electrician position.”

'Started own business'

Adds Craig: “My degree also supported me in starting my own business, Dynamic View Services Ltd, where I combine my technical expertise and entrepreneurial ambitions.”

Craig plans to pursue Incorporated Engineer status with the Institution of Engineering and Technology in the coming years as the next step in his career, complementing his degree. 

And despite studying for nearly a decade, Craig doesn’t rule out further learning with the OU, remarking: “I am always looking to expand my knowledge and skillset.”

He concludes: “Being awarded a First-Class Honours degree was an incredibly rewarding moment, especially considering the challenges of balancing work, family, and study. It validated the hard work and sacrifices I made over the years and has given me a strong sense of pride.”