Close
Get in touch

Helping Colas Ltd Unlock Over £29,000 in Training Savings

The Problem

Colas Ltd, a leader in the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure, was seeking a training partner that could offer more than just courses—they needed strategic support, nationwide delivery, guidance on maximising available funding and support with industry accreditations such as CSCS cards.

How it began

When Kevin Howes joined Colas as the Lead Learning & Development Partner, he reviewed all existing training suppliers. While 3B Training was already an approved provider, he wanted to ensure that any future partnerships met key criteria:

  • Geographic coverage
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Course relevance
  • Responsiveness to urgent requirements

The Solution

3B Training continued to stand out as the preferred partner for Colas due to our deep industry knowledge, strong customer support, and ability to provide flexible, high-quality training solutions.

We worked closely with Kevin and his team, tailoring our support to their unique needs. This included providing expert guidance on grants and funding, helping to address the withdrawal of industry accreditations, and facilitating the acquisition of CSCS cards.

One of the most impactful outcomes was the delivery of seven SEATS (Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme) courses, fully funded via the CITB Employer Network. This resulted in:

  • 84 Colas delegates trained remotely
  • £13,965 in savings on SEATS training thanks to the short-term CITB 100% funding (available until 31 March 2025)
  • Greater awareness of environmental compliance across the workforce
  • Zero additional cost to the business

By capitalising on this funding window, Colas enhanced its sustainability credentials and safety culture without financial strain.

In addition to SEATS, we helped Colas secure funding for 10 NVQs across various levels—further supporting employee development and progression. The qualifications covered a wide range of roles and saved £15,050 through the Employer Network. This included Level 7 in Construction Senior Management, Level 6 in Construction Site Management, NVQ Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision and Level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision NVQs.

This targeted use of funding enabled Colas to upskill employees for senior and supervisory roles, contributing to internal promotion pathways and leadership development.

3B has been instrumental in helping us navigate challenges related to industry accreditation and the provision of specialised courses. They've been particularly helpful in streamlining the process for securing CSCS cards for our staff, ensuring that we remain compliant with industry standards.
Kevin Howes, Lead Learning & Development Partner at Colas
3B has provided valuable guidance on grants and funding opportunities, which allowed us to invest in further employee development. It was very evident that 3B Training are a fantastic supplier with a wealth of knowledge […] I find 3B a pleasure to work with. They often advise and help continue to build our knowledge.
Kevin Howes, Lead Learning & Development Partner at Colas

The Results

Our dedicated account team built a strong, collaborative relationship with Colas, becoming trusted advisors beyond training delivery. We ensured every interaction was solution-focused, responsive, and personal, whether booking a course or supporting with specific training requirements.

Thanks to 3B Training’s support, Colas has experienced measurable improvements in several key areas:

  •  Over £29,000 in total training savings
  •  Increased compliance with environmental and safety standards
  •  Improved staff morale and retention through funded development
  •  Greater efficiency and fewer workplace incidents due to upskilling
  •  Strategic planning of long-term training needs with expert funding advice

Colas now views 3B Training as a strategic partner, not just a provider. Our collaborative relationship has allowed us to respond dynamically to industry changes, access vital funding streams, and create tailored training pathways for long-term business success.

“I would highly recommend 3B Training to any company looking for high-quality, reliable, and practical training solutions. Their courses are tailored to meet industry needs, and their support is unmatched. 3B is great at understanding the unique challenges companies face and providing training that directly addresses those challenges. You can trust them to deliver results that will benefit your employees and business in the long run.”