CAPTAIN AND APPRENTICESHIP ROLES UP FOR GRABS AS DRAKEN ADVERTISES FIRST TEESSIDE AIRPORT JOBS

Aviation services and technology firm Draken Europe has kick-started its recruitment drive just days after news came of its expansion at Teesside Airport, with roles including aircraft captains, engineering apprentices and more.

Draken signed a long-term deal with the airport in 2020 when it was known as Cobham Aviation Services UK and maintains a fleet of five specially modified Dassault Falcon jets at its airport base.

It recently signed a new agreement to bring the Alca L-159E “Honey Badger” advanced combat jet to Teesside and also applied to create an almost 5,000sq ft hangar to house new aircraft when they are not in the air several times a day on exercise over the North Sea.

The expansion will support the delivery of aviation training contracts critical to national defence with organisations such as the UK’s Ministry of Defence, the United States Air Force and other NATO members and is expected to create 25-30 jobs, with the first up for grabs now. These includes captains to fly the Falcon 20, a unique opportunity to operate jets training with current RAF frontline fighters and Royal Navy warships, putting you at the forefront of the UK’s electronic warfare training capability.

It is also looking for a captain and training manager for its L159 aircraft, alongside other flying roles including an electronic welfare officer, plus land support of an aviation engineering apprentice working on a four-year Technical Apprenticeship, storekeepers, and a production planner and controller who will be responsible for planning maintenance activities.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Draken’s expansion plans are paying off for local people right now, offering fantastic opportunities to get involved in an exciting and well-respected field either on the ground or up in the sky.

“Whether you’re an experienced pilot or are keen to kickstart a great career in aviation engineering, you can get involved as Draken brings more aircraft to Teesside as it doubles it operations at our airport.

“Draken’s decision to expand its operations here is yet another vote of confidence in Teesside, our fantastic airport and the amazing skills local people have to offer. These are just the first good-quality, well paid jobs with many more to come for local workers as Draken ramps up operations with its new aircraft.”

Draken, which has been at the airport for more than 25 years, combines advanced aviation and surveillance technologies with highly skilled people to deliver a range of mission-critical global aviation services for military and civil customers worldwide.

To find out more about the jobs, or to apply, visit TeesValley.Jobs/draken