A novel training initiative in Huaxi District, Guiyang, has brought together government, universities, and enterprises to pioneer a collaborative education model for drone pilots.

On September 23, the district's Human Resources and Social Security Bureau launched a special "one training, dual examination" program for drone operators, moving beyond traditional general training approaches to cultivate professionals who are both technically skilled and fully certified.

Gao Lin, Director of the Huaxi District Employment Bureau, explained that the program was designed based on direct feedback from local enterprises. "We are addressing their talent development needs by allowing trainees to obtain both the CAAC certificate and an intermediate vocational skill certificate in a single attempt," she said. "Previously, trainees could only earn one CAAC certificate at a time. Now they can secure two at once, which is a first for us and highly beneficial, as employees rarely have the luxury of dedicating extended periods away from work for training."

Guizhou Aviation Vocational and Technical College serves as a key partner, hosting the training program. Huang Dan, Deputy Dean of the college's Continuing Education Institute, highlighted the customized approach: "Enterprises submit their training needs based on their operational or job-specific requirements, and we design the curriculum accordingly, covering areas such as logistics, inspection, and surveying. Each program is tailored to the specific enterprise."

The training, which began on September 9 and runs for 25 days, combines theoretical instruction with hands-on practice. After more than ten days of intensive study, the 60 participating employees have completed multiple theory modules and are now advancing to simulated operational drills.

Trainee Li Yong noted that most participants are frontline inspection workers. "Once we master drone inspection, we can significantly improve the efficiency of our patrols," he said. Another trainee, Yu Lanfang, whose role involves asset management, sees broader applications: "Measuring on-site is currently quite cumbersome. Using drones for aerial surveying would be much more efficient, and the skill is also useful in everyday life. I think this is a highly practical capability."

This initiative marks a shift from single-skill learning to dual-certification empowerment, and from fragmented training to precise collaboration among government, universities, and industry. By closing the loop between enterprise demand, vocational development, and talent deployment, the program addresses the urgent need for compliant, specialized drone operators while enabling participants to enhance their career prospects through upgraded skills, qualifications, and employment opportunities.