In Queensland, for example, CQUniversity has partnered with Isis District State High School to provide students with the opportunity to improve their knowledge and understanding of drones through an enhanced agriculture curriculum. Isis students are using telemetric system drones to develop STEM skills specific to the agriculture sector.
Students learnt that drones can be used for all aspects of farm management, including maintaining fence lines, inspecting crops and animal paddocks, and improving farm productivity through survey data. There are also opportunities for students to incorporate their learning on their own family farm to maximise efficiencies.
Students also learnt and practised the safety rules and correct operating procedures for drones, skills which can easily be transferred to other industries.
High school students across Australia may be able to earn a Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), as well as CASA licensed Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate (AROC) and Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). These qualifications will give students the knowledge and skills to operate remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), such as drones, and the ability to earn a valid license, which will support students to undertake drone-related future work in the agriculture, environment, construction or arts sectors.