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A new programme teaching aircraft painting skills is to help careers take-off in the growing aviation industry in Tees Valley.
The training for aspiring aircraft painters is to be delivered by Hartlepool College of Further Education in partnership with Teesside Airport-based Airbourne Colours, supported by Tees Valley Combined Authority.
The Airbourne Colours Aircraft Painting Trainee Programme will start in June and provide a direct pathway into a specialised and high-demand career in the aviation industry.
The initial six-week course is funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority through its Adult Skills Fund and will equip participants with essential skills in aircraft paint spraying.
Successful trainees will advance to a paid practical training phase at Airbourne Colours’ new multi-million pound facility at Teesside International Airport lasting around 19 months - where hands-on experience will offer invaluable industry exposure and a stepping stone towards a long-term career.
Initial training will take place at Hartlepool College of Further Education and applicants must have been 19 or older on August 31, 2024, and live in the Tees Valley.
The six-week course will run from June 9 to July 18 before the practical training at Airbourne Colours’ paint facility at Teesside International Airport.
Trainees will then go on to work towards the internationally recognised SAE AS7489 certification upon completion of the full 21-month training course.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are bringing jobs and investment to Teesside Airport which is delivering outstanding long-term career opportunities for local people and this is a fantastic example of this in action.
“This programme is exactly the kind of opportunity we need to develop local talent and boost the region’s growing aviation sector.
“The partnership between us, Hartlepool College of Further Education and Airbourne Colours is a fantastic step forward in providing high-quality, practical training and shows how we are working together to create jobs and deliver skills in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
The training is part of Tees Valley Combined Authority’s work in providing a bespoke skills programmes for employers to address specific training needs and support workforce development. It has been fully designed with Airbourne Colours to meet the needs of the company.
Helen Gott, Head of the School of Engineering at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “We're delighted to partner with Airbourne Colours and Tees Valley Combined Authority on this innovative training programme. This collaboration represents an ideal alignment of education, industry, and regional development, offering local people a pathway into specialised careers within the aviation sector.
At Hartlepool College of Further Education, we're committed to providing skills that directly meet industry needs, and this aircraft painting programme is a prime example of how targeted training can create substantial employment opportunities. We look forward to welcoming trainees and helping them launch rewarding careers in this growing field."
Airbourne Colours’ cutting-edge facility at Teesside International Airport opened in 2024 following a £6.5million investment and the company works on behalf of major airlines including Jet2.com and Lufthansa.
Steven Darbyshire, Airbourne Colours Chief Executive, said: “When we opened our Teesside facility, we wanted to bring the type of career opportunities to local people which weren’t available to me when I grew up here.
“We are looking for hard-working, enthusiastic team players and who are also ambitious and want to climb the ladder as we look to move the business forward in coming years.
“Airbourne is a welcoming, friendly place to work and I would strongly encourage people to find out more and apply for what could be a job for life.”
An open event will be held at Hartlepool College of Further Education, Stockton Street, on April 9 from 5.7pm where people can find out more.
For more information on the training programme go to its dedicated webpage on Hartlepool College of Further Education’s website. Candidates should submit their CV to AirbourneColours@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk by 27th April 2025.
Employers looking for support and funding in developing their own bespoke skills training can find out more at TVCA Workforce & Skills.
