Airbourne paints path to success on Teesside

An aircraft painting company is helping young people launch high-paying careers through a specialist training programme.

Airbourne Colours, which opened an aircraft painting facility at Teesside Airport last October following a £6.5 million investment, has guaranteed jobs for all 24 trainees completing its new 21-month course. 

Trainees are offered starting salaries of £35,000, with potential earnings of up to £45,000. 

The firm, which works with major airlines including Jet2.com and Lufthansa, plans to recruit and train new cohorts every year to meet growing international demand.

Teesside-born founder and chief executive Steven Darbyshire said: “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.

“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.

“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.”

The programme begins with an eight-week practical placement at the company’s hangar, where participants are supported to work toward an internationally recognised industry certification. 

Craig Devon, from Hartlepool, was a data analyst before taking on the course.

He added: “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.

She 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.”

The initiative was developed in partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education and tailored through the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s bespoke skills programme, funded by its Adult Skills Fund.

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.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen with one of the cohort

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.”

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