Colas, Portsmouth & The YOU Trust charity
Background
In 2025, Colas Limited partnered with The YOU Trust Charity to create inclusive employment opportunities for vulnerable adults. This initiative reflects Colas’ commitment to social value, diversity, and community development.
Challenge
Many vulnerable adults face barriers such as limited work experience, lack of confidence, and social stigma. Addressing these challenges requires tailored support and inclusive practices and Colas, Portsmouth wanted to be to support them in any way they could. This could include a visit to a working environment to see what it is like, learning to travel on their own and gaining experience in the workplace.
Objectives
To work together to provide any experience that will help build the students confidence, working towards meaningful employment, enhance workforce diversity, and deliver measurable social value aligned with Colas’ Environmental, Social Governance (ESG). commitments.
Approach
The initiative began with meetings between both parties to discuss student requirements and available opportunities within Colas. Structured onboarding and training workshops was delivered by YOU Trust, focusing on confidence-building and essential job skills. Colas provided mentorship and flexible roles, ensuring participants felt supported and valued.
Outcomes
By the end of 2025, 6 participants successfully integrated into Colas’ workforce, contributing to projects that improve local infrastructure. Beyond employment, individuals gained travel independence, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Key Learnings
Collaboration with specialist organizations is essential for sustainable inclusion. Continuous support improves retention, and inclusive practices strengthen corporate social responsibility.
Future Plans
Colas plans to expand placements, develop advanced training programs, and share best practices across the industry to encourage similar partnerships.
Social Value Impact Summary
Voices from the Program
"Working at Colas I felt part of a team, everyone was really helpful, and I didn’t feel like I had a disability." – Zak, Work Experience in Landscaping
"Working with YOU Trust and the students has been so rewarding. Some students have done work experience in different fields like ‘Street Cleansing’ and ‘Landscaping,’ and to see some of them become fully employed with Colas has been brilliant and well deserved." – Jane Tume, Colas Portsmouth’s Performance & Quality Manager
“It has been a real pleasure working with The YOU Trust Charity and their students, it has been so rewarding spending time with every one of them and seeing them gain confidence and feel part of our team here at Colas" – Karen Brogan Social value Co-Ordinator.