Karl scores with the part-time path

Part-time study at the University of Teesside has paid off for Karl Watson. For Karl, 30, from Stokesley, has achieved a First Class BEng (Hons) degree in Instrumentation & Control Engineering and received the Teesside Instrument Engineers Prize.

Karl decided to combine work and study when he left school at Nunthorpe School at 16. He now works as an Engineer for ABB Eutech in Billingham and said: “I had two choices, either full-time study, or working in parallel with academic studies. I chose the latter, but I always wanted to get a degree.”

Karl joined ICI as an apprentice instrument artificer and worked in this job for four years, before moving onto the post of design engineer. He continued his part-time study route, gaining an ONC in Instrumentation & Control Engineering from Longlands College, and an HNC and HND in the same subject from the University. Karl took a couple of years off, before enrolling for the degree, sponsored by Eutech.

“I was at the University for one day a week for four years and had to sacrifice a lot of time at home, including holidays. I don’t think I would have done so well if I’d done the degree at 21, I was able to give it more time. The final year project was particularly enjoyable, where you solved a real problem for a customer. I was really pleased to gain a First and the prize and I’d like to thank my wife Elaine for all her support,” added Karl.

Away from work and studies, Karl is joint manager and player with Stokesley 2nd IX. This team plays football in the South Cleveland Garages Teesside League.

Karl said: “It’s good to get back into the football, as I had to leave it for a while during the degree. I’m taking a breather from study, although I might consider learning a language in future.”

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