A new collaboration between Scottish brewing giant Tennent Caledonian and training provider Craft Skills Scotland (CSS) has marked a significant milestone, with the first two apprentices successfully completing their qualifications.
Aaron Milliken (20) and Kai McFarlane (21), both from Glasgow, have achieved their Modern Apprenticeship in Production and Processing Skills at Tennent’s Glasgow site. Their success signals the beginning of what both organisations hope will be a long-term pipeline of skilled talent entering Scotland’s brewing and production sectors.
The partnership, developed with Perth-based Craft Skills Scotland, was initially launched as a pilot scheme within Tennent’s production and processing operations. Following its success, the brewer is now exploring opportunities to expand the programme into other areas of the business, including brewing.
Alan Cairns, training co-ordinator at Tennent Caledonian, said the collaboration has created valuable opportunities for new entrants to gain nationally recognised qualifications.
“Working with Craft Skills Scotland, Tennent’s looked at what apprenticeships we could offer,” he explained. “We decided to initially create two places in the production and processing sector but, due to the success of the partnership in this trial, we will now look at other sectors such as brewing to encourage young people into our team.”
Tennent Caledonian already offers engineering apprenticeships through another provider, but Cairns described the new partnership with CSS as “flawless”. He added that the company aims to roll out further programmes covering brewing, production, processing and packaging.
“We hope our apprenticeship programme will form a core of opportunities for young people to get into the industry and pursue a career with us once qualified,” he said. “Our experienced hands in the business have proved invaluable in bringing on the apprentices, and the whole workforce has embraced our training programme with Craft Skills Scotland.”
During their 18-month apprenticeship, Aaron and Kai worked as part of the production team responsible for producing thousands of units each week for both domestic and export markets. Aaron trained on the keg line, while Kai gained experience in the bottling plant.
Reflecting on his experience, Kai said: “It’s been hard work, but it’s been worth it. There has been a lot of theory to study as well as the practical training on site. It’s been tremendous to secure an apprenticeship with Tennent’s and be part of the production team for such an iconic Scottish brand. There aren’t that many apprenticeship openings for young people and to be selected and then succeed is something I’m very proud of.”
Aaron added: “Apprenticeships lead to a real career, and I’m really chuffed to be part of Tennent’s new programme with Craft Skills Scotland. My uncle, who works here, encouraged me to apply and I’ve absolutely loved it. The staff have been brilliant with us and we’ve learned so much from those with decades of experience. Tennent’s is also my favourite beer, so that’s a bonus.”
Craft Skills Scotland assessor Sarah Frew, who worked closely with the apprentices and Tennent’s team, praised both the trainees and the strength of the partnership.
“This first joint training is a huge milestone for everyone involved and highlights the strength of the working relationship we’ve developed together,” she said. “From the beginning, Tennent’s showed real commitment to the apprenticeship programme by giving trainees the time, encouragement and support they needed to learn on the job while completing their qualifications.
“Alan Cairns was a fantastic advocate for the programme from the very beginning, playing an important role in making the partnership such a success. I’m incredibly proud of both trainees for the hard work and determination they’ve shown. They’ve developed their skills, grown in confidence and should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved.”
Frew added that the collaboration demonstrates the value of industry-led training in strengthening Scotland’s food and drink sector.
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“It’s rewarding to be working with such a major employer and iconic brand as Tennent Caledonian and to see them investing in the future of the industry,” she said. “We’re very much looking forward to continuing our partnership and supporting their future apprenticeship programmes.”
Craft Skills Scotland currently supports more than 250 Modern Apprentices across the country, delivering training across a range of food and drink sectors including butchery, distilling, fish processing, hospitality and brewing. The organisation aims to equip individuals with industry-recognised qualifications while helping businesses build a highly skilled workforce.
