South Regional TAFE has celebrated a major milestone, the graduation of its first cohort from the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) program. Delivered at the Busselton Campus, initiative marks a new chapter in vocational education and future-focused career pathways.
The program was made possible through a partnership between South Regional TAFE, Busselton Senior High School, and Rio Tinto. With Rio Tinto’s support, the ‘Drones’ Aviation program was launched to provide 10 local high school students with hands-on training in drone technology—an emerging field with vast potential across industries.
Michael Burgess, Director Training Services South West, commended the graduates, saying, “You’ve learned to fly drones, yes – but more importantly, you’ve learned to think critically, to solve problems, and to see the world through the lens of opportunity.
He also highlighted the broader impact of the initiative: “This milestone shows what’s possible when education, industry, and community come together to invest in the future of our young people.”
Looking ahead, Michael added, “It’s the beginning of a journey that could take you anywhere – into further study, into employment, into industries that are still emerging.”
This milestone highlights what’s possible when education, industry, and community come together, and for these young remote pilots, it’s just the beginning.