Drone technology stands out as fun and practical equipment for contemporary classrooms, experiments, and exploration. Drone technology is a fascinating way to introduce students to STEM-related professions, equip them with relevant skills and thus cover the gaps reported in the labour market to meet the new job creation arising. At the same time, it blends together all STEM fields such as maths and physics, electrical and mechanical engineering and computer science. It promotes other employability skills needed in the 21st century such as problem-solving, group work, leadership, creativity and initiative.
The DRONES@STEAM project will support VET trainers and educators in an attempt to strengthen their profiles with the acquisition of new skills, the development of targeted material, and the collection of tools and resources, while at the same time it will create opportunities for linking VET schools with the labour market building on synergies and partnerships with established organisations.
The key competencies to be promoted as part of the project are:
- High digital skills which appear to be missing from VET curricula and are currently needed to enter the labour market and be included in VET job profiles.
- Targeted ‘wide and deep’ digital competencies and the use of technologies leading to the 4.0 industry.
- Job-specific VET-related skills for various fields and sectors, which are not offered as work-based learning opportunities or include danger or hazards for the workers.