If you are dreaming of a career in drone technology, then you are left with only a few hours to hone your skills with one of the best drone training schools in the world.

Last week the African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) in Malawi opened for applications from African citizens aged between eighteen and twenty-four to register for the UNICEF-supported institution’s Level One Certificate of Drone and Data Technology (CDDT Level 1), to be undertaken online.

Offered in collaboration with the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Furman University (with the graduates also getting an Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Trusted Operator Programme (TOP) Level 1 Certificate at the end), the CDDT Level 1 is a five-week online course that is divided into 2 modules.

“The first module is the data module, which takes the first three weeks and covers data analysis; GIS fundamentals, data types and co-ordinate systems, multispectral sensing, introduction to computer vision and machine learning, advanced spatial analysis methods, data ethics, among other topics,” said ADDA in a statement. “The module also deals with different mapping applications, like agriculture, disease control, emergency response, flood modelling and infrastructure management.

“The fourth and fifth weeks will be reserved for the Drone Module, where students are introduced to unmanned aerial systems; like flight physics, aircraft performance, propulsion systems, aerostructures, payloads, flight operations and wireless communications.”

Qualifying students do not have to worry about tuition.

The course will also take students through a workshop on entrepreneurship – a hugely important step in this digital age where taking chances can be a very rewarding experience, if a risky one. The entrepreneurship course is designed to equip students with the requisite knowledge to start their own drone businesses.

Running from the 16^th of November until the 18^th of December 2020; the incoming group of students will be the third batch to be admitted by the drone academy headquartered in Lilongwe and dedicated to helping African youth sink their teeth into drone technology so they lead innovation for drone-based solutions to the many challenges facing the continent.

The first  batch took to class when the academy first opened its doors in January this year, and it comprised 16 students from Malawi and 10 from across Africa. More than half were women with undergraduate degrees in science, technology or engineering. 

The second cohort started lessens in mid-April.

If you want to join the incoming group, now is your only chance; you can hand in your application here.