Craig Stevely

The flexibility offered by the 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.

After leaving school at aged 16 to start an electrical apprenticeship, Craig, now 35 and from Clackmannanshire, was working offshore 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.”

‘Tremendous asset’

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.

The flexible learning offered by the OU in Scotland has been a tremendous asset for Craig and, by extension, our entire team."

Iain Lauritsen, 
Rig Manager at Noble Corporation

"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 his study fees was funded by his former employer Diamond Offshore Drilling, which was acquired by Noble Corporation in 2024.

Discussing Craig’s learning journey, Iain Lauritsen, Rig Manager at Noble Corporation, comments: “The flexible learning offered by the OU in Scotland has been a tremendous asset for Craig and, by extension, our entire team. 

“Offshore work presents unique challenges, with long shifts and rotational schedules. 

“The ability for Craig to pursue his studies without disrupting his work commitments has allowed him to grow academically while continuing to contribute to our operations. This balance between work and learning has been invaluable.

“Skilled and confident employees are the backbone of our success. The OU in Scotland is an outstanding collaborator in professional development. Their flexible learning model is well suited to industries like ours, where shift patterns and offshore work could otherwise be barriers to education.”

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 degree itself was tailored to those working in an engineering field, which...allowed me to develop the skills, absorb the knowledge, and apply the techniques in real time."

Craig Stevely, 
OU graduate in Engineering (Honours) 

“The ability to apply theory directly to my job 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.

“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 has “opened up new career opportunities and strengthened my credentials in the engineering sector”.

“It has also supported me in recently starting my own business, Dynamic View Services Ltd, where I combine my technical expertise and entrepreneurial ambitions,” he adds.

Currently working as an Electronic Technician, he is planning to pursue Incorporated Engineer status with the Institution of Engineering and Technology, 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.”