A new drone academy has been opened in Midrand, Johannesburg, to provide relevant training for a futureproof career in the drone space.
The Rectron Drone Academy was launched in a partnership between information technology products distributor Rectron and drone manufacturer DJI.
The academy accepted its first cohort of five students, with classes having started on February 20 at the Midrand campus.
Initially, the academy will offer three South African Civil Aviation Authority-accredited courses on different aspects of drone proficiency, including certifications in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Maintenance Technician, Remote Pilot Licence and Beyond Visual Line of Sight.
Each course takes three to four months and will include theoretical elements and practical training.
Rectron structured the courses in consultation with the NTSU Drone Academy and DJI to ensure students have the right foundations and training to forge a career path as a professional.
“As the world moves towards a more digital economy, we need to ensure our youth have the right skills to take part in it,” says Rectron learning and development manager Andre Witbooi.
Citing Goldman Sachs research, he says that the drone industry is one of the fastest growing industries globally, with an estimated market value of $100-billion.
“First developed for the military, drones made their way into the consumer space and are now growing in popularity in various commercial activities.”
Currently, the top three sectors leveraging drones are construction, agriculture and insurance, and for many businesses that need large areas surveyed, drones offer a cost-effective alternative to helicopters and aircraft.
While maths and science are not prerequisites, but rather advantageous, to be accepted for a course, students need to have completed matric to enrol.