Drone pilot course takes off at Mabel Park State High

Students at Mabel Park State High School will be among the first in Queensland to gain a qualification in drone piloting skills.

Education Minister Kate Jones today welcomed the trial of the new Certificate III course in Aviation that has attracted 13 Year 11 students from Mabel Park and Woodridge State High Schools.

“I congratulate Mabel Park State High for offering this course to make sure students have better employment prospects in emerging industries,” she said.

Member for Woodridge and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick officiated at the launch today of the new course and a quad copter demonstration at the school.

“The Certificate III in Aviation – Remote Pilot Visual Line of Sight – is being delivered as a trial program one day a week involving theory sessions and flight practice on the school oval,” Mr Dick said.

“The school has a reputation as a pioneer in vocational education and training and delivers a diverse range of courses from hospitality and tourism to digital media and engineering to more than 200 students.”

Mabel Park State High principal Michael Hornby said as a registered training organisation the school decided to pilot the new qualification to give students a pathway to school-based traineeships, as well as future employment and tertiary education opportunities.

“The course is being taught by experienced former pilot Gavin Jones and on completion students will also receive six points toward their Queensland Certificate of Education,” Mr Hornby said. 

“The course will run until term 4 2018.”

Minister Jones said the new qualification was helping to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow in a range of industries from workplace health and safety, ambulance services, mapping and exploration to parcel and pizza delivery. 

“Being a drone pilot is an exciting job of the future,” Ms Jones said.

Media contact: Cath Palmer 0424 823 424