Greencroft Bottling is celebrating the success of Multi-skilled Maintenance Engineers Shaun Kennedy and Kyle Watson, who have both achieved distinctions in their Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering while working full-time at the business.
The pair completed the two-year qualification at Derwentside College, Consett, through day-release study supported by Greencroft Bottling. The achievement follows their successful completion of electromechanical engineering apprenticeships with the company.
Recognised as a highly respected Level 4 vocational qualification, the HNC combines technical knowledge and practical engineering skills. Equivalent to the first year of a university degree, it provides learners with a deeper understanding of engineering principles and their application in industry.
Both Shaun and Kyle joined Greencroft Bottling five years ago and have developed their careers within the engineering team. Throughout the course, they studied modules including electrical machines, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), mechanical principles, quality management, project design and advanced engineering mathematics.
As part of their studies, each completed a substantial engineering project designed to deliver practical value within the business.
Shaun Kennedy, who is from Consett, said: "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."
Kyle Watson,from Durham, said: "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."
The pair are now hoping to continue their professional development through a Higher National Diploma (HND).
Lee Wilson, Senior Engineering Manager at Greencroft Bottling, said: "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."
Chris Bell, Curriculum Leader for Engineering at Derwentside College and course tutor, praised both students for their achievements. He 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, said: "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.
For more information on Greencroft Bottling, please visit www.greencroftbottling.com
