Charles Darwin University (CDU) has secured $99,000 in federal government funding that will provide students in the Northern Territory with education and training in the drone industry.
The CDU Drone program, launched in partnership with National Drone, intends to open a career pathway in STEM for NT youths in years 9 to 12 by offering nationally recognised vocational education and training qualifications.
Dr Rebecca Rogers, CDU Drone’s program coordinator, said students would be introduced to different aspects of NT’s drone industry and learn how to use the technology in solving real-world problems.
Students under the program will also learn different aspects of drones, such as flying, safety, and the legalities of operating the technology.
“We really want the program to highlight existing challenges that are unique to the Northern Territory and the drone pilots trying to solve them,” Rogers said. “This means students might explore how drones can detect feral pigs or monitor endangered wallabies, deliver health services or even look for rock art.
CDU Professor Hamish Campbell, director of the North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems at CDU, said drone technology can make a real difference to people in the Northern Territory, but they are also a great tool for learning the skills needed to be successful in all kinds of STEM careers.
The CDU Drone program will be offered in schools, festivals, and remote communities later this year and will give students a critical bridge to a Certificate II qualification and other STEM courses.
