Ensuring continuity of service during the transition from military to industry requires a safe pair of hands. When that service determines the ability to defend the skies, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Following the decision by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to outsource the Trade group 13b Painters and Finishers, they needed a partner they could trust to not only continue to provide the technical services, but to also refresh and revitalise the provision to drive improvement and efficiencies.A reliable strategic partner
Serco has proudly provided highly specialised paint and graphics services since 2008. Over this time, we have provided extensive surface finish capabilities across a range of Royal Air Force (RAF) fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft platforms, including Typhoon, F35, Hawk, Chinook, Sentinal, A400m, C17 and Puma.
With a deep understanding of the critical requirements of the MoD, combined with our extensive footprint within the RAF environment, Serco is a military service provider that truly delivers.
In addition to the core services – which range from aircraft technical markings to corrosion prevention – we provide surface finish services to two of the most photographed and world-famous air displays, the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, as well as providing tail art for military display aircraft and anniversary schemes.
A skilled and experienced operation
Our workforce comprises a blend of former RAF Painter and Finisher trade workers with civilian trade group professionals – all of whom have the breadth and depth of experience, skill and knowledge to deliver across the full range of surface finish services.Serco manage and operate 12 facilities on behalf of the MoD, providing staff with a safe and productive working environment to ensure the highest standards.
Serco provides fully environmentally compliant surface finish services to the MoD at RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Leeming, RAF Shawbury, RAF Wittering, RAF Coningsby, RAF Waddington, Falkland Islands, RAF Benson, RAF Odiham, RAF Brize Norton, RAF Cranwell, RNAS Yeovilton and RNAS Culdrose.
The geographical spread of our contracts and our decisive and proactive approach to service delivery allows us to effectively manage and flex our resource between units in time of high demand. This means that we can deliver a cost-effective and flexible solution to the MoD and OEMs.
Quality and innovation
Working to high tolerances we operate hand-in-hand with MAA 145-approved organisations under BS EN 9001. We foster innovation and process changes that allow us to develop and enhance specific application, removal and preparation processes, increasing efficiency and reducing ‘aircraft on the ground’ time.
At RAF Coningsby, we were integral to the development for the major surface finish refurbishment programme for the composite substrates on the Typhoon aircraft.
By working in partnership with the MoD, we ensure outputs that meet or exceed our customer’s expectations, whilst also continually improving processes and procedures.
All work requested is quoted in advance of acceptance using our Integrated Technical Engineering Management Support (iTEMs) workflow tool.
This ensures the customer has full control to approve, hold or reject any quote, with information on all costs, material usage, man-hours and agreed forecast completion dates.
Core paint and graphics services
- Abrasive Paint Removal - our specialist abrasive blasting services are carried out within dedicated dry media stripping and aircraft approved plastic media stripping booths and cabinets. This allows the full removal of corrosion and surface finishes over a wide variety of substrates from small components to complete airframes and outsize plant.
- Graphics - our graphics services include aircraft livery and full technical markings, vehicle livery and full-body wraps. We also provide external and internal signage, marketing displays and general signage of almost any size.
- Anti-deterioration – local anti-deterioration services prolong structural integrity and longevity of assets. Our services incorporate inspections, corrosion removal and restoration, including all MoD ground equipment, airfield assets and plant.
Inspiring the next generation
The surface finish capability is unique. With a finite supply of former-RAF Surface Finish (SF) workforce and few higher education facilities offering relevant skilled training, Serco chose to develop an in-house solution to power the next generation.
Since 2009, over 70 staff have achieved the NVQ Level 3 in Aeronautically Engineering (Surface Finish Pathway). The bespoke qualification is awarded by EAL and supported by Serco Vocational Services, to provide a robust training, development and authorisation process for the customer.
Backed up by our internally developed NVQ, all staff are enrolled on an Occupational Health programme which includes annual health assessments and RPE FIT testing in accordance with HSE 282/28.
Serco firmly believes in staff development and provides regular progression opportunities. Beginning their journey as an unskilled SF Technician 3 prepper, it takes an average of 3 years to meet the competency criteria to become a qualified skilled SF Technician 2 (Aircraft Surface Finisher), with many progressing to supervisors or even managers.
