Airbourne’s painting trainees take off at Teesside
As part of our ongoing commitment to skills development and long-term careers in the aviation sector, Airbourne Colours is proud to guarantee job offers to all 24 individuals enrolled in our first trainee programme at our new Teesside Airport facility.
Airbourne Colours opened its Teesside paint facility in late 2024, with further expansion planned this year to meet growing demand from international airline customers.
Each trainee is guaranteed a role upon successful completion of the 21-month programme, with a starting salary of £35,000 – and the potential to earn up to £45,000 with overtime. Founder and Chief Executive Steve Darbyshire has also committed Airbourne Colours to training new cohorts of aircraft painters every year going forward.
“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 Darbyshire, Founder and CEO of Airbourne Colours.
“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 first cohort of aspiring aircraft painters, which commenced earlier this year, was delivered by Hartlepool College of Further Education in partnership with Airbourne Colours. The six-week introductory course was funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority through its Adult Skills Fund and served as a pathway into the Airbourne Colours Aircraft Painting Trainee Programme.
Trainees are now completing an eight-week practical training phase at our Teesside facility, supported by a bursary, and working toward achieving the internationally recognised SAE AS7489 certification.
Interested in our next intake?
Keep an eye on our social media pages or email info@abcolours.com to find out more.