Greencroft Bottling’s engineering team plays a vital role in keeping one of the UK’s leading contract bottling facilities running smoothly. Behind the technology and machinery are skilled individuals committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Multi-skilled Maintenance Engineers Shaun Kennedy and Kyle Watson are the latest employees to demonstrate that commitment, having both achieved distinctions in their Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering while working full-time at Greencroft Bottling.
The pair completed the two-year qualification at Derwentside College, Consett, through day-release study supported by the company. Their success follows the completion of electromechanical engineering apprenticeships with Greencroft Bottling and marks another significant milestone in their careers.
Recognised as a highly respected Level 4 vocational qualification, the HNC combines technical knowledge with practical engineering skills. Equivalent to the first year of a university degree, it provides a deeper understanding of engineering principles and their application within industry.
Both Shaun and Kyle joined Greencroft Bottling five years ago and have since progressed within the engineering team. During their studies, they completed modules including electrical machines, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), mechanical principles, quality management, project design and advanced engineering mathematics. As part of the course, each engineer also completed a substantial project designed to deliver practical value to the business.
“Challenging but incredibly rewarding”
For Shaun Kennedy, from Consett, the qualification provided a greater understanding of the engineering systems he works with every day.
Completing the HNC has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. The course gave me a much deeper understanding of the theory behind the systems and equipment we work with every day and has helped me look beyond simply maintaining machinery and understand why engineering solutions are designed the way they are. Achieving a distinction makes all the hard work worthwhile and I’m looking forward to continuing my studies.
Shaun Kennedy
Kyle Watson, from Durham, said the course gave him a valuable insight into the design and development of engineering solutions.
The HNC has helped me develop a completely different perspective on engineering. As maintenance engineers, we spend a lot of time fixing and improving equipment, but the course provided insight into the design process behind the machines themselves. The project work, planning and technical modules have all strengthened my skills and given me the confidence to progress onto the next stage of my education.
Kyle Watson
The pair are now hoping to continue their professional development by studying towards a Higher National Diploma (HND).
Recognised by employer and college
Lee Wilson, Senior Engineering Manager at Greencroft Bottling, praised both engineers for their achievement.
We are immensely proud of Shaun and Kyle for achieving distinctions in such a demanding qualification while balancing their responsibilities at work. Their commitment to learning and personal development reflects the culture we are building within our engineering team. Investing in skills and education strengthens both the individual and the business, and we are delighted to support them as they continue their progression.
Lee Wilson, Senior Engineering Manager, Greencroft Bottling
Their success has also been recognised by Derwentside College. Chris Bell, Curriculum Leader for Engineering and course tutor, said: “Shaun and Kyle have been outstanding students throughout the programme. They consistently demonstrated commitment, professionalism and a genuine desire to learn. The standard of work they produced was exceptional and both thoroughly deserved the distinctions they achieved.”
Nick Barnes, Head of Technical Education at Derwentside College, added: “Shaun and Kyle’s achievements are a fantastic example of what can be accomplished when talented individuals are supported by an employer that values learning and development. We are proud to work closely with Greencroft Bottling to help employees build their skills, progress their careers and contribute to the future of engineering in the region.”
Greencroft Bottling continues to invest heavily in training and development, supporting apprenticeships, higher-level qualifications and career progression opportunities across its workforce. The company currently has three engineering apprentices developing their skills alongside experienced colleagues, helping to build the next generation of engineering talent.
If you’re enthusiastic, hard-working and seeking a career in which you can progress, visit lanchesterwines.co.uk/careers-at-lanchester-wine and greencroftbottling.com/recruitment. For more information on Greencroft Bottling, visit greencroftbottling.com.
