Stuart Robertson has achieved success in his study and career, despite the setback of a road accident.

He thanks his wife Stacey for 'motivating' him through CQU's STEPS preparatory program and his degree studies, culminating in his graduation ceremony in Rockhampton on Saturday, October 1.

Mr Robertson graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil). He is currently working as a senior design technologist with Main Roads, based in Gympie.

"I had spent approx, 20 years working in the building and construction industry but had to leave this line of work following a motorcycle accident on 1/1/1991," Mr Robertson said.

"As a result of the injuries I sustained due to this accident, I was no longer able to carry on with the heavy physical work and was limited to the options that I had on offer to me as I did not have a senior level of study from my school days.

"I had tried a more sedentary line of work that did not require any formal qualification but did not find this work suitable.I had just gotten married and we had one child at this stage. "I had noticed an add in the local newspaper that Central Queensland University was offering the STEPS course to people who did not have the levels required to enter into study through the normal method and was being offered to mature-aged people.

"I took this opportunity to apply for entry into this course and was successful. After completing the STEPS course, I was offered a full-time position in the BET Civil which I commenced full-time the following semester.

"By this stage we had 2 children and after the first year of the BET personal circumstances changed and I had to take time off study to move to Brisbane.

"I commenced study again but by this stage I had a full time job as a designer so had to carry on study as an external student. I carried on study over the next couple of years and increased the family to 4 children.

"Once again circumstances had changed and although I only had 5 subjects to complete the degree I was offered a position with a consulting engineering firm in Scotland and decided this would be a good opportunity to get some overseas experience.

"I took this position and worked in the UK for the next 2 years but deferred from study once again. We then returned to Australia and after 12 months and one more child (now adding up to 5) returned to study again. I don’t think it would have been possible to achieve this without the support from my family who have had to put up with me spending many hours studying.".

Mr Robertson's study milestones included membership of the Golden Key International Honour Society and receipt of the Gladstone City Council-sponsored prize for the student with the highest grades in Surveying. ENDS.