A new business collaboration between Scottish brewery giants Tennent Caledonian Breweries, home to the iconic Tennent’s Lager brand and training organisation Craft Skills Scotland (CSS) has produced its first two qualified apprentices.
Local men Aaron Milliken (20) and Kai McFarlane (21) have completed their Modern Apprenticeship in Production and Processing Skills at Tennent’s Glasgow complex. And their success is set to launch a new generation of workers trained through the Perth-based CSS.

Over 250 staff are employed in the production sector of Tennent’s and company training co-ordinator Alan Cairns said the new partnership afforded them the chance to give new employees skills training for independently assessed and nationally recognised qualifications.

“Working with Craft Skills Scotland, Tennent’s looked at what apprenticeships we could offer,” he said. “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’s offer apprenticeships in engineering through a different training provider but Alan stressed that their fledgling partnership with Craft Skills Scotland had proved “flawless” and said he hoped to launch different apprenticeship programmes with them on a rolling basis, covering brewing as well as production, processing and packaging.

“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,” explained Alan. “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.”

Aaron and Kai are excited about their future with Tennent’s following their successful 18-month apprenticeship as part of the team producing thousands of products each week for distribution to home and export markets.

While Aaron has trained on the kegs line, Kai has been in the bottling plant, and both are delighted to have qualified.
“It’s been hard work,” said Kai, “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,” he added. “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 echoed Kai’s pride.
“Apprenticeships lead to a real career,” he said, “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,” added Aaron. “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.”

Craft Skills Scotland assessor Sarah Frew has worked with Alan, Kai and Aaron and said she was “delighted” to see both apprentices pass with flying colours.

“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 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,” said Sarah. “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’s 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.”