16 June 2022
Students in WA’s remote North now have the qualifications to pilot drones and prepare for future career opportunities in a range of industries.
Derby District High School students learnt how to fly drones as part of a program that started at the school last year. Many students who completed the course in 2021 gained employment as a direct result.
Derby District High School students undertaking their drone assessment on the marsh.
This year, 20 students in Years 10 – 12 completed the drone program giving them a licence and skills for employment beyond maths and English.
Derby District High School deputy principal Mohamed Youssef said the experience provided students with the opportunity to develop technical abilities in the aviation industry, and equip them with employment skills for a highly competitive field.
“The course this year was designed and delivered with the concept of using the drone in different contexts such as mining, photography, search and rescue, tourism and station work,” he said.
“It developed our students’ wellbeing, self-confidence, teamwork, time management and goal setting skills. Students have gained problem solving and analytical skills to fly drones to achieve particular tasks.
“This experience is such an amazing tool to assist our students to achieve outstanding results.”
The program provided students with a drone pilot licence (less than 7kg) as well as a Certificate III in Aviation.
Derby District High School students are now qualified to fly drones.
Mr Youssef said two students were also trained to be flight instructors who planned and delivered lessons and provided training support for the practical assessment.
“It was a great experience for our students to become flight instructors and teach their mates.”
Mr Youssef said the course involved partnerships between the school and employers in the region, boosting the chance of students gaining future employment.