Former naval warrant officer Roy Brandner made head of Charles Darwin University trade school

Charles Darwin Univeristy has appointed a former naval warrant officer as the head of its trade school

Roy Brandner has taken the reins at Charles Darwin University’s trade school. PICTURE: Supplied

Charles Darwin Univeristy has appointed a former naval warrant officer as the head of its trade school.

Roy Brandner took up the role earlier this month. His appointment is being viewed as critical given his training background, specifically in the defence space.

“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.

“I hope to help expand opportunities and partnerships with local business and further build ties with our northern neighbours throughout Asia.

“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.

“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.”

Mr Brandner is an 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.

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

Mr Brandner started in the role earlier this month.