Framework Training delivered a high-quality Android app development course that was built swiftly and specifically around Kilco’s unique business needs, helping learners develop the confidence and capability to work effectively with their existing codebase.
Together with a friendly, expert trainer and a personal and collaborative approach at every stage, Kilco found the experience overwhelmingly positive.
Company overview
Kilco Ltd are specialists in end-to-end managed IT solutions and provide bespoke software development services for clients in both the private and public sector.
Located in Dinnington, Sheffield and established in 1997, the company has built a solid reputation for solving complex software problems and simplifying the solutions for the end user.
Operating within high-risk environments, Kilco ensures its software remains fully reliable, as inaccurate data could put welfare or safety at risk.
Background
Kilco’s development team, primarily experienced in Microsoft .NET web development, had built a bespoke, business-specific mobile application for Android using Java.
A need to widen the teams expertise in Android development was identified & delivery was accelerated in response to a key Android team member leaving the business. While the team was already highly capable, specialist knowledge of Android Java was held by a small group of individuals only.
Kilco needed a training solution that would develop this capability across the wider team and rapidly bring them up to speed without pulling the more experienced group away from their day-to-day responsibilities excessively.
Business need
Kilco had a distinct set of requirements that needed a more customised approach:
Programming Language:
Kilco deliberately uses an older version of Android Java as it integrates with a specialist device used to deliver services. They needed an expert trainer who not only understood the programming language used to support their bespoke app, but also the technical environment and any practical constraints created by this integration.Delivery style:
In-person or virtual training was preferable rather than an online pre-recorded session.Timescales:
The goal was to have the training delivered within 4-6 weeks, enabling the team to quickly build the required knowledge.Post-training support:
Kilco were seeking a training provider that offered ongoing support and access to the trainer if required.
At the shortlisting stage, Kilco were impressed by Framework Training’s offering. Not only could we tailor an existing course to their specific requirements, we could deliver it in the required timeframe. This set us apart from other potential providers on the shortlist.
We were subsequently invited to design and deliver a bespoke mobile application development training programme for Kilco, tailored to a specific platform and operational use case.
Scoping phase
Kilco needed a bespoke training solution, rather than a standard course. As the objective was to allow for complete customisation and ensure the training was fit for purpose, scoping was intentionally structured into distinct stages:
Initial consultation:
Tom Walker, our Technical Director had an initial conversation with Kilco’s Managing Director. He identified a suitable training programme and matched an available trainer with the right technical expertise.Discovery call:
Kilco’s Head of Software and prospective learners were invited to further elaborate upon the business objectives and current capability levels.Technical validation:
Tom then facilitated direct conversations between Kilco and our trainer to explore Kilco’s needs in greater depth.Discovery workshop:
We subsequently recommended a discovery day, where our trainer worked alongside Kilco’s experienced team to understand how the app operated in practice so they could shape a tailored programme.
Framework Training then proposed a hands-on workshop, which was designed to combine foundational knowledge with opportunities to apply the learning directly into the workplace.
Solution
At the end of March 2026, Framework Training delivered a custom Android app development course in 5-day workshops.
The programme was specifically designed to equip the Kilco team with a solid grounding in core mobile development concepts and had a particular focus on application lifecycle and state management. A lead developer was also supported in taking ownership of the codebase.
The training was structured to:
Build core understanding from first principles.
Reinforce learning through guided exercises and real-world scenarios.
Focus on maintainability, diagnostics and navigating an existing codebase.
The programme covered a number of key areas including:
Development environment setup and platform architecture.
Tooling and debugging techniques.
Application lifecycle and state handling.
User interface design and navigation patterns.
Architectural patterns and separation of concerns.
Data access and integration approaches.
Diagnostics, troubleshooting and codebase navigation.
Feedback
Kilco highlighted the practical, accessible nature of the training and the value of the hands-on approach. Their Managing Director has shared some highly positive feedback in the following areas.
Human-centred approach
Kilco were complimentary about the team at Framework Training and our personable, responsive approach. At each stage, Kilco consistently spoke with a team member who understood Kilco's specific needs, rather than a generic email response from a sales team.
Collaboration and openness
One aspect that particularly stood out was Tom’s willingness to facilitate direct conversations with the trainer during the scoping phase. Tom recognised when the trainer’s expertise was needed and encouraged open dialogue so the technical requirements could be defined. This allowed for a streamlined, more efficient process, and this level of openness was a refreshing change.
It instilled in Kilco the confidence that Tom's priority was finding the right solution, rather than solely focusing on the commercial relationship.
Committed to the right solution
Kilco praised the considered and thoughtful pace of the scoping phase and how the programme was designed around their unique needs.
They appreciated that while this part of the process was undertaken with no guarantee that Kilco would proceed, Tom was willing to invest the time to ensure the course was relevant, engaging and fit-for-purpose. This demonstrated a genuine commitment to finding the best solution and, ultimately, meant the training landed as well as it did.
Connection with our trainer, Federico
The team at Kilco described Federico as extremely friendly, approachable and helpful. He was aware the team had very specific topics to cover in a short amount of time and adjusted the pace without it feeling overcomplicated.
They were impressed with his hands-on approach, practical coding demonstrations and how he struck the right balance between asking questions and allowing people to figure things out on their own.
Embedding understanding
In a landscape dominated by remote training and webinars, the learners especially appreciated how learning was continuously reinforced through in-course knowledge checks, discussion and regular opportunities for feedback and validation. “We have had learners attend training courses where they feel as though they have been ‘spoken at’ for two days,” said the Kilco Managing Director. “What Framework Training does is more akin to educating.”
Impact
Our training has helped the learners at Kilco to develop the confidence and capability to work effectively with the existing application and supporting components.
Following the training, the learners have developed a clear understanding of the product, can pick up the codebase and also respond to requests from clients and troubleshoot any issues without relying on their colleagues. Kilco’s Managing Director said, “The whole team now has the capability to fully support and enhance our Android codebase and that's exactly what we wanted to achieve. This has solved so many problems in the space of a couple of weeks.”
Looking ahead
Alongside the positive feedback, Kilco identified an opportunity to further strengthen Kilco’s partnership with Framework Training. He suggested introducing a learning portal that would give current and new team members on-demand access to our training content whenever upskilling was needed. If this became a standard service available to Kilco, they would build the cost into their recruitment budget for every new hire.
We are grateful for the suggestion, and now exploring the possibility of making this functionality available more formally.
Conclusion
Kilco described the overall training experience as overwhelmingly positive. Kilco values long-term partnerships with suppliers and having experienced the value first-hand, they now view Framework Training as a trusted partner they would approach to explore future training requirements. We are delighted to hear this!
Our sincere thanks to the Kilco Team for sharing their experiences of working with Framework Training.