Mission Aircrew Training Design Manager, Paul Whitham, was the winner of our annual Managing Director’s Award for 2025. We speak to him about his career to date, role at Ascent and learn that variety really is the spice of life!
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and career to date?
I started with Ascent in July 2022 as an Aircrew Training Specialist (ATS) primarily acting as an acoustics SME for the Future ISTAR Rear Crew Training System (FIRCTS). I was promoted to my current role as Mission Aircrew Training Design Manager for FIRCTS and Rear Crew Sustainment (RCS1s) in June 2024. Prior to working with Ascent I was a programme manager at a Scottish local authority and before that I was in the Royal Air Force for 27 years, where I flew on Nimrod Maritime patrol aircraft as well as a number of other roles.
What attracted you to work at Ascent?
It might sound cheesy, but I think the opportunity to be involved with FIRCTS and support the training of future Royal Navy and Royal Air Force aviators. Most of us who went through training in the past would hope that we could put something back into something better, and I especially like working on innovative projects within a team environment.
What does your role at Ascent entail?
As the Mission Aircrew Training Design Manager, I have the privilege to work with a great team leading on the creation of high-quality training content for airborne, synthetic and classroom instruction. As well as courseware, most recently, I have been actively involved in the recruitment of the instructor cadre for both RCS1s and FIRCTS for both RAF Cranwell and RNAS Culdrose. I currently line manage members of both the courseware and instructor teams. With both teams, we work on new training innovation and development initiatives, producing training material and testing it with the simulators and aircraft. I also deputise for the Principal Training Design Manager as required.
My day-to-day duties include managing a team of aircrew Training Specialists and instructors, overseeing the training design process, interfacing with diverse stakeholders to ensure content and Training Support Equipment (TSE) meets customer requirements and ensuring all team activities and processes comply with relevant regulations and company policies.
What do you wish you had known when you started working with Ascent?
I wish I had known how much autonomy I’d have. At first I waited for direction, but now I understand that taking initiative is encouraged and valued. Knowing that earlier would have helped me step into my role with more confidence.
What were your thoughts on winning the MD Award?
I was extremely humbled to be given the award, especially in the company of so many amazing fellow nominees. I am very lucky to be a member of a great team that constitute the training design for RCS1s and FIRCTS. That includes all the media developers, courseware developers, aircrew training specialists and production managers, as well as the new instructors. I am also very grateful to the Training Hub and site staff and military colleagues who all support us so well.
How important is this for your team?
We are extremely lucky to have such a body of talent in the courseware team, FIRCTS instructor cadre and programme teams, all of whom put their shoulder to the wheel to ensure that we have met all our monthly targets and contract milestones consistently over the last three years.
What do you enjoy most about working at Ascent?
The variety, working alongside passionate and creative colleagues and friends.
Why would you recommend working for Ascent to others?
Ascent provides opportunities for growth, autonomy of action, and variety, within a highly valued technical environment.
What tips would you give to people starting in the business?
Get to know the processes and systems and don’t be shy about calling new colleagues to ask for support and advice. There are so many kind and generous people working at Ascent who are always glad to help.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I ride motorcycles, walk and paddle board. I spend a lot of time with my family and two dogs.
