Tim Croydon – Qualified Instructor 3FTS RAFC Cranwell
What attracted you to work at Ascent?
Having served a full career of some 32 years in the RAF, I wanted to harness my extensive teaching roles and flying experiences, in some way. During my time in the military, I had the privilege to serve as an exchange officer with the Royal Navy at The Maritime Warfare School in HMS COLLINGWOOD and saw, at first-hand, how the ‘Whole Force’ approach can deliver training for Defence in an effective and innovative way. Based on this premise, I was attracted to join Ascent to support the UKMFTS programme. Ascent offered me the opportunity to work alongside former military colleagues and, importantly, to help shape the aviators of the future. I find this element stimulating and extremely rewarding. Moreover, the chance to pursue a second career was a huge draw for me. The ‘state-of-the-art’ teaching facilities, the positive working environment – combined with a new fleet of aircraft, cemented my decision to join the Ascent Team.
What does your role at Ascent entail?
As a Qualified Instructor, I teach a range of courses from the Military Aviation Ground School – a foundation level course for all aircrews, to more specialist courses such as Weapon Systems Operators. In addition, I teach International Students as part of broader Defence-wide engagement policy. The subjects I teach are drawn from my former military background, such as Electronic Warfare and Air Traffic Control Services. To teach, you must be DTTT qualified and be checked on a bi-annual basis by a Defence Training Supervisor. As ever, on-going Continuous Professional Development opportunities are actively supported by Ascent. I also ensure our courseware is up-to-date. I’m constantly reviewing my taught subjects and any changes are efficiently modified by our in-house change management team.
What do you enjoy most about working at Ascent?
It’s the best of both worlds for me. I’m engaged in military flying training – but work from a non-military perspective. That said, I’m able to contribute to Defence by becoming an ASTRA Ambassador and remain fully engaged as a Chief of the Air Staff’s Fellow to craft the conceptual component. We have a diverse workforce which makes for a pleasurable working environment. I feel my contributions to the organization are appreciated and a couple of my initiatives have been adopted across the business. I’m also a member of the Joint Ascent Employee Forum which seeks to listen and act upon employee suggestions to improve working practices.
What are the benefits of working at Ascent & why you would recommend working here?
Ascent offers a fully inclusive working environment with a particular focus on employee’s wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, and mental health awareness. The Company’s benefits package offers comprehensive BUPA Healthcare, a discount/rewards scheme and a new pension opportunity. Support through the COVID 19 pandemic has been exemplary. I’m also supported to retain my professional membership to The Society for Education and Training – which ensures I remain current to the very latest thinking and teaching practices in my sector.
Ascent offers a completely refreshing outlook on military flying training – which harnesses my previous military career for the benefit of tomorrow’s aviators. I’m glad to be part of the Team.