THE Australian Maritime College is poised to help the Australian Defence Force meet its future maritime training needs following the appointment of Aaron Ingram to the newly created role of Defence Maritime Program manager.

Mr Ingram will be responsible for developing a closer and more productive relationship with Defence, particularly the Navy, as they embark on a major capability transformation as part of the Australian government’s recently released Defence White Paper.

“My focus initially will be on engaging with key leaders and managers across Defence to gain a deeper appreciation of their higher education, training and research needs, and to increase awareness of AMC’s potential to deliver against these needs,” Mr Ingram said.

“The other major goal in this next 12 months is to reinvigorate the existing training working group between AMC and Navy as the means to facilitate ongoing collaboration.”

AMC Principal Professor Neil Bose said the strategic appointment would help build upon the institute’s longstanding and successful association with Defence.

“AMC has provided seafarer and marine engineering training for Navy personnel throughout its history, and there is great scope for us to play a key role in upskilling the workforce to meet the demands of the national naval defence shipbuilding program,” Professor Bose said.

“As Australia’s national institute for maritime training, education and research, we are uniquely positioned to offer tailored and flexible solutions to help the department deal with this increased demand and prepare for the delivery of new capabilities and technologies.”

Mr Ingram has enjoyed a rewarding 37-year career in the Royal Australian Navy, during which he attained the rank of Commodore and gained extensive domestic and international seagoing service on board a range of warships and auxiliary vessels.

He will be based in Sydney for this role.

Mr Ingram’s personal association with AMC started in 1998, when as an aspiring navigator he completed deep-draught and tug-handling training on the ship simulator.

Almost 30 years on, he is impressed with the expansion of the college’s training and research facilities and the “can do” attitude of staff.

“This role provides me with a wonderful opportunity to be able to continue my contribution to the Navy and our nation’s security, which has been the focus of my entire working life.

‘‘There is nothing more important for our servicemen and servicewomen than to be well equipped and highly trained,” he said.