Success in partnership: Transforming training management for TKMS ATLAS UK LTD

Sector: Maritime defence & high technology
Service: Managed Learning Services (MLS)
Partnership Initiated: 2024

Client overview

TKMS ATLAS UK Ltd. (ATLAS UK) is a global leader in underwater acoustics and maritime defence technology. With roots in Germany and a global client base, the organisation plays a critical role in advancing naval capability through cutting-edge hydro-acoustic solutions, sonar technologies and integrated IT systems. As a technology-first enterprise, ATLAS UK is driven by innovation, precision and a commitment to excellence across its engineering and workforce development.

The challenges – A need for change

By late 2023, ATLAS UK’s HR and Learning & Development team took the opportunity to re-evaluate their external training management provision. With the organisation evolving and demands increasing, it was the right time to look for a new solution – one that could streamline operations, improve visibility and efficiency, strengthen employee engagement, and provide a stronger foundation for long-term impact.

Areas identified for improvement included:

Process consistency: A need for more connected systems to support the booking, tracking, and reporting of training across departments.
Administrative capacity: Internal teams were stretched and required additional support for bookings, communications and supplier management.
Compliance assurance: Certification and refresher training needed to be tracked in a complete, auditable way.
Employee experience: Processes also had to be more user-friendly to encourage smoother uptake and greater confidence.

ATLAS UK sought a Managed Learning Services partner who could turn these priorities into strengths – delivering agility, structure and a consistently high-quality experience for employees.

The solution – Managed learning services with Optimus

Since April 2024, Optimus Learning Services has provided a tailored Managed Learning Service designed to meet both operational and strategic needs at ATLAS UK.

Key elements included:

Annual training management: Reviewing requirements, identifying suitable providers, making recommendations, co-ordinating events and managing spending against budget.
Vendor-neutral sourcing: Access to the most suitable training providers without bias, ensuring value and quality.
End-to-end process management: Handling bookings, supplier communication, feedback, reminders and certification, reducing administrative burden.
Customised training portal: A branded online catalogue improved visibility, engagement and ease of requesting training.
Compliance assurance: A live training records database provided complete oversight with automated reminders to maintain audit readiness.
Embedded partnership: Optimus staff visited the site to build rapport and strengthen relationships.
Insights and financial control: Itemised reports, SLA tracking and cost analysis aligned with ATLAS UK’s fiscal calendar.
Scalable support: Built-in flexibility to respond quikcly to urgent or ad hoc requests.

The results – A transformed training experience

Since Optimus began supporting ATLAS UK, the training experience has been transformed. Employees now benefit from a smoother, more reliable process – one that builds confidence and provides clear value for both staff and leadership.

Through regular reviews, SLA evaluations and collaborative planning sessions, Optimus has streamlined operations and rebuilt confidence in training delivery. Employees now benefit from clear, simple processes, managers have full compliance visibility, and HR and L&D teams have the capacity to focus on strategic priorities.

This shift is reflected in measurable outcomes:

40+ hours of administrative time saved per month
10% reduction in direct training costs
100% visibility for compliance and audit readiness
Zero senior-level complaints or training-related escalations
95% of learners reporting timely support
92% of learners saying training met or exceeded expectations
NPS score of 50 which is in the excellent range for training and learning evaluations, increased by 20% since the last QBR

Together, these results demonstrate more than operational improvements – they highlight a cultural shift. Training is no longer seen as a challenge but as an enabler of workforce growth.

Head of Human Resources, Lisa Bowyer, TKMS ATLAS UK LTD:

“Partnering with Optimus for our Managed Learning solutions has made a huge difference to our organisation and our employees. The tailored training solutions, responsive support from the Optimus team and commitment to ensure our training needs are delivered on time has made a significant difference to enhancing our workforce development. I would highly recommend Optimus Learning Services.”

Delivering world-class results through managed learning

This experience reflects the broader success of Optimus Learning Services, recently achieving a Net Promoter Score of 76 for likelihood to recommend to others – a world-class result that underscores the strength of our client partnerships and learner-first approach.

For ATLAS UK, the partnership with Optimus hasn’t just fixed problems; it has laid the foundation for sustainable growth, future readiness and organisational excellence.

It’s more than a service – it’s a partnership that drives measurable impact for ATLAS UK’s learning and development ambitions.

Senior Procurement Manager, Tilly Lovell, TKMS ATLAS UK LTD:

“Working with Optimus has been a breath of fresh air from a Procurement perspective. I’m thrilled that every promise they shared during the tender process presentations was in fact not a a “sales pitch”, but a true reflection of the service they offer.

The Optimus team goes above and beyond to align with our culture and needs. They stay connected with the business and understand the nuances of our company, ensuring that not only did we have minimal teething problems during implementation, but a true partnership has been built along the way.”

Working with TKMS ATLAS UK LTD