NPTC Group of Colleges flying high with launch of new drone academy

NPTC Group of Colleges is flying high as it launches a drone academy in partnership with RUAS, the longest standing National Qualified Entity accredited by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the provision of training courses for Small Unmanned Aircraft (drones). The academy will allow learners to achieve a Level 4 NVQ provisionally titled Principles and Operations of Drones (Small Unmanned Aircraft).

The partnership is on the cusp of creating and developing new drone courses. Approval of these qualifications to display compliance and competency in drone operations would put NPTC Group of Colleges and RUAS at the forefront of the industry, with the College starting to offer these courses in the autumn.

These will allow the next generation of drone pilots to gain the skills needed to support the ever-growing list of businesses who are seeing the benefit of using drones in their company. With the impact of drones on industry increasing, so is the requirement for remote pilots who possess the relevant and recognised skills needed to safely and legally fly.

NPTC Group of Colleges has responded to this developing industry by training, through RUAS, 17 of their team to the standard of a commercial drone operator. RUAS is excited to be part of the development of drone training and awareness across Wales as, in partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges, learners gain the knowledge and expertise required for the rapidly developing drone industry.

Mark Dacey, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of NPTC Group of Colleges, said:

“To deliver a quality service we are delighted to be working with RUAS as we share capability to provide drone operations using the expertise of both organisations.

The opportunity this presents to Wales, employers and individuals across most business sectors is excellence in drone training operations. This will also provide opportunities worldwide, and we are already in advanced discussions with institutions in a number of countries.”

Mark Jones, Head of Unmanned Aviation at RUAS, said he was delighted to be partnering with the College to create and develop a new program of drone courses and wider support approaches. He commented:

“We have trained remote pilots both nationally and internationally across industries including the emergency services, international media and government organisations. As part of our relationship with NPTC Group of Colleges, we are pleased to have trained their staff to help deliver courses, and we are excited to be part of this development of drone training and awareness across Wales.”