Drones were a popular gift last Christmas, and now Sunshine Beach State School is offering students the chance to put their new gadgets to work.
The school will now offer a Certificate III in Aviation and Remote Pilot License (RePL), allowing students to gain hands-on experience with drone technology in the classroom.
To launch the certificate, Sunshine Beach State School principal Anthony Swan and aviation teacher Joel Purdon made a dramatic entrance, arriving at the school via helicopter, provided by local operator Helitec on Thursday 30 January.
Mr Swan explained the elaborate entrance was not only a way to kick off the course but also an opportunity for students to see a helicopter up close and learn how it works.
“A helicopter’s lift technology is essentially that of a big drone,” he said.
“When we look at the blades, we can study how they generate lift.
“This gives students the chance to not just watch a helicopter in the sky, but to understand how it works. This hands-on experience will help them connect that knowledge when flying their drones.”
Sunshine Beach State School was motivated to offer the course because of the students’ passion for drones and technology. Seeing this interest, they decided to create a real-world pathway that aligns with their enthusiasm.
“The program allows students to get out on the oval, fly their drones, and work with trainers and assessors,” Mr Swan said.
“Plus, with the VETiS funding, it will be fee-free for the students. Normally, it costs around $3000, but because it’s covered, it’s an excellent opportunity for them.”
A Certificate III in Aviation and RePL opens up career opportunities in industries like real estate and companies that need drone services, utilising aerial shots or surveys.
After completing the Cert III, students can progress into a Certificate IV in Aviation, taking their skills even further.
Joel Purdon said he was excited about the opportunities the certificate could create for students, along with the lifelong value of the remote pilot license certification.
“When you think about the Defence industry and look at the evolving technologies and partnerships in that space, it opens up so many opportunities,” he said.
“This course gives students the chance to build amazing careers in technology – careers that will continue to evolve throughout their lives.”
