Airbourne Colours Expansion At Teesside Sees Dozens Of Young People Guaranteed £35k Jobs After Training

A growing aircraft painting company has committed to guaranteeing well-paid jobs to all 24 of its trainees taking on a course at Teesside Airport.

Airbourne Colours opened its Teesside painting facility late last year – and the multi-million-pound firm is planning to expand this year to cope with high demand from a wide range of international clients and airlines.

Now founder and Chief Executive Steven Darbyshire has pledged to guarantee the 24 trainees job offers at the end of a 21-month course – with salaries of £35,000, and a potential to earn up to £45,000 with overtime.

And the Teessider has also committed Airbourne Colours to training fresh cohorts of aircraft painters every year from now on.

“It’s important for the industry and to meet the growing demand we are seeing. But it’s also crucial we can offer these jobs to local people to build a career with us with a well-paid job,” said Steve.

“There can’t be many other firms on Teesside offering this jobs guarantee – but that is how serious I am about making sure we cement ourselves here and grow here. I want to bring on the aviation talent we have across this region by providing these well-paid jobs.”

The initial training for the cohort of aspiring aircraft painters was delivered by Hartlepool College of Further Education in partnership with Airbourne Colours.

The initial six-week course was funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority through its Adult Skills Fund and provided a pathway for its participants into the Airbourne Colours Aircraft Painting Trainee Programme to spray aircraft.

The trainees are now on an eight-week practical training programme at the Airbourne Colours painting facility (with Bursary payment) gaining experience towards the internationally recognised SAE AS7489 certification upon completion of the full training course.

Craig Devon, from Hartlepool, was a Data Analyst before taking on the course.

He said: “A friend of mine works at Hartlepool College – I found out about the course and jumped at the opportunity. It was amazing and I couldn’t turn it down.

“The fact it’s providing a career, and not just a stop-gap, is great. You can see where the job is going and what Steve is trying to do here in the North East.”

Eaglescliffe’s Josephine Key worked in TV Production before opting for a change of career with Airbourne.

The 31-year-old added: “I’ve always wanted to do something physical – a bit more hands on and practical. Towards the end of last year, I was looking at my options – I saw this opportunity and thought it would be something quite different.

“It’s been really exciting and non-stop.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s brilliant to see young Teessiders getting training for good, well-paid jobs at our growing airport.

“And it’s great to see Steve make this big commitment to both our Airport and our area.

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity we’re working to create – real jobs with clear career progression, right here on Teesside.

“We backed this scheme because it gives people the skills they need to get on and helps a great local company grow. It’s a win-win.”

The initial training was part of Tees Valley Combined Authority’s work to offer a bespoke skills programme for employers to address specific needs, and support workforce development. It was fully designed with Airbourne Colours to meet the company’s very specific needs.

Councillor Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, added: “This programme is a really good example of how we can work directly with employers to give people the exact skills needed to succeed in industry.

“These are not just training opportunities – they are clear, guaranteed routes into high-quality, sustainable jobs.

“We’re committed to making sure people across our region, especially young people, can access this kind of support and build long-term careers without having to leave Tees Valley.”

Airbourne Colours’ facility at Teesside Airport opened following a £6.5million investment with the company works on behalf of major airlines including Jet2.com and Lufthansa.

Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster said: “It’s a great boost to have Steve and Airbourne Colours growing at Teesside Airport and committing to the aviation industry’s future here for years to come.

“We’re seeing so much activity at our business park with new construction and our loyal companies expanding their operations. It all paints a bright future for our airport as we look to grow.”

Steve added: “We want hard-working, enthusiastic team players in the years ahead who are ambitious and want to climb the ladder as we look to move the business forward.

“Airbourne is a welcoming, friendly place to work and I would strongly encourage people to find out more about us and secure what could very well be a job for life.”

Employers looking for support and funding in developing their own bespoke skills training can find out more at TVCA Workforce & Skills.