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Serco Australia and KBR have collaborated to provide new training support to the RAN’s Navigation Faculty at the School of Navigation Warfare at Sydney’s HMAS Watson.
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Serco Australia and KBR have created three administrative positions to alleviate the administrative burden on RAN instructing staff, enabling them to focus on the training of Maritime Warfare Officers.
The three positions, filled by KBR staff, embed the company's knowledge of naval training systems, and forms part of Serco’s contract with the RAN to deliver professional services at HMAS Watson.
Lieutenant Commander Sam Fraser, Officer in Charge of the School of Navigation Warfare, welcomed the additional staff, noting that they had already improved the level of training offered by the school.
“It’s an excellent example of defence and industry working together to achieve positive outcomes for our trainees,” LCDR Fraser said.
Clint Thomas, AM, CSC, managing director of Serco Defence, noted that the recent collaboration has already benefited HMAS Watson and the RAN since its inception in December.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to partner with an organisation like KBR. The employment of civilian staff offers continuity in roles that are typically held by defence during a posting cycle. Not only does this allow for efficiency as staff develop in what is their core business, it also increases the potential for improvement as staff hold a narrower focus,” Thomas said.
“Serco committed to deliver significant innovation and continuous improvements to the training provided at HMAS Watson, so I am looking forward to seeing how we can further enhance and advance the specialist training we provide to the RAN through these new training technologies.”
The new employees work alongside the Serco senior navigation instructor.
The Senior Navigation Instructor operates closely with Senior Royal Australian Navy Instructors to assist in the delivery of their senior navigation courses, which include the 16-weeks long sea-going course.
The partnership comes following Serco’s announcement that their landing craft, which is in the running as part of LAND 8710, is undergoing testing at the Australian Maritime College.
“Serco’s Australian industry team stand ready to deliver for the Commonwealth, bringing Australian industry skills and expertise to the forefront, and positioning Australia to drive forward in establishing a sustainable and vibrant shipbuilding industry,” the company said in a statement.
[Related: Serco Australia tank tests amphibious landing craft]
