Tennent's brews up apprenticeship success

A Scottish brewing company is strengthening its future workforce after the first apprentices completed a new training partnership designed to develop industry-recognised skills.

Tennent Caledonian and training provider Craft Skills Scotland (CSS) have celebrated the successful completion of their first modern apprenticeships in production and processing skills.

Aaron Milliken, 20, and Kai McFarlane, 21, completed the 18-month programme at Tennent’s Glasgow production site, becoming the first apprentices to qualify through the collaboration.

The partnership gives employees access to nationally recognised qualifications while supporting the brewery’s efforts to develop skilled workers for its production operations.

More than 250 people are employed within Tennent Caledonian’s production division, with the brewer viewing apprenticeships as an important route for attracting and developing future talent.

The brewery already offers engineering apprenticeships through a separate provider, but the success of the new initiative has opened the door to further programmes focused on brewing, production, processing and packaging.

Aaron and Kai have secured roles within the team responsible for producing thousands of products each week for UK and international markets.

Aaron said: “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 for the apprenticeship 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 behind them.

“Tennent’s is also my favourite beer so that’s a bonus.”

Kai added: “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.”

Perth-based Craft Skills Scotland currently supports more than 250 apprentices across the country, working with businesses throughout the food and drink sector, including brewing, distilling, butchery, hospitality and seafood.

Officials say the success of the first two apprentices marks the beginning of a wider partnership aimed at developing the next generation of skilled workers for Scotland’s brewing industry.

Tennent Caledonian’s training co-ordinator Alan Cairns added: “Working with Craft Skills Scotland, Tennent’s looked at what apprenticeships we could offer. 

“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.

“We hope our apprenticeship programme will form a core of opportunities for young people to get into the industry and hopefully pursue a career with us once qualified. 

“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.”

Craft Skills Scotland assessor Sarah Frew, who worked with Alan, Kai and Aaron, added “This first joint training is a huge milestone for everyone involved and highlights the strength of the working relationship we’ve developed together.

“From the beginning, Tennent’s showed real commitment to the apprenticeship programme by giving the trainees the time, encouragement, and support they needed to learn on the job while completing their qualifications. 

“That level of support from an employer makes a massive difference to the success of apprenticeships.

“Alan Cairns was a fantastic advocate for the programme from the very beginning. 

“He really supported the learning process and helped get the ball rolling, playing an important role in making the partnership such a success.

“I’m incredibly proud of both trainees, Aaron and Kai, for the hard work and determination they’ve shown throughout their journey. 

“They’ve developed their skills, grown in confidence, and should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved. 

“It’s rewarding to be working with such a major employer and iconic brand as Tennent Caledonian and witness them fully embracing the programme and investing in the future of the industry. 

“We’re very much looking forward to continuing our partnership and supporting their future apprenticeship programme.”

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