Trades’ head passionate about NT’s future

A former Royal Australian Navy Warrant Officer with a passion for training and development, and its role in shaping the future of the Northern Territory has been appointed the new Head of the School of Trades at Charles Darwin University.

Mr Roy Brandner is a highly experienced technical educator and brings more than 25 years’ experience in educational leadership and management roles, including as a national learning and development manager in the telecommunications sector.

“I first came to the Territory in the late 1970s as a young sailor in the Navy,” he said. “Since then I have lived in the NT on and off for 12 years, moving here permanently with my family in 2011 to take on the role of Maritime Training Manager Serco Defence.”

He said he saw high-end technology and trade training at CDU as vital to helping build the Territory’s future.

“I look forward to working with staff to get our students ready for industry,” he said. “I also hope to help expand opportunities and partnerships with local business and further build ties with our northern neighbours throughout Asia. Through CDU’s strategic direction in building skills and capabilities we hope to support growth in key industries critical to the future development of the Northern Territory.”

Mr Brandner said he would use his experience and skills to work with staff as a collaborative team to build and explore new opportunities in technical and trade training to showcase what the Territory has to offer.

“The trade team leaders of Automotive and Civil, Electrotechnology, Metal Trades and Maritime, Building and Construction, Industry Skills Training and Trades Central based in Alice Springs have built a strong foundation of tailoring specific programs to suit clients’ needs,” he said. “Engaging with local industry is key; I hope to build on this to continue to work with stakeholders and investigate new opportunities for industry training in the NT.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Vocational Education and Training Ms Christine Robertson welcomed Mr Brandner to the role saying his skills would be invaluable in delivering training in a range of courses and programs and in building vital relationships with industry and government.

Mr Brandner started in the role on Monday 11 July.