Explore Pocoware’s 2025 Drone Pilot Learnership: earn a Remote Pilot Licence, get hands‑on flight training, a monthly stipend.
From Dreaming About Flying to Launching a Career
Meet Lerato, a 20‑year‑old from Gauteng who always dreamed of piloting drones. She applied for the Pocoware Drone Pilot Learnership, earned her Remote Pilot Licence, and now conducts agricultural surveys—with clients across the country. Her journey is the kind of transformation Pocoware aims for: empowering unemployed youth through hands-on training, certification, and mentorship in a high‑growth field.
1. What Is the Pocoware Learnership?
The Pocoware Drone Pilot Learnership Programme is a one‑year, fully structured skills development initiative aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It offers theory and practical training leading to a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) certified by SACAA—the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
This programme opens doors for careers in agriculture, mining, filmmaking, security, and more—where drone technology plays an increasingly critical role.
2. Training Content & Modules Covered
Participants receive comprehensive training in:
- Drone regulations and airspace laws
- Flight planning, risk assessment, and safety protocols
- Practical simulation and field flight sessions
- Equipment maintenance: battery charging, pre‑flight checks
- Data management for aerial imagery and GIS analysis
- Preparing for the Remote Pilot Licence (theory and practical)
Participants graduate capable of piloting drones safely and professionally across a range of industries.
3. Who Can Apply?
Ideal applicants meet the following criteria:
- South African citizen aged 18 or older
- Good eyesight, hand‑eye coordination, and basic English reading and writing abilities
- Interest in technology, aviation, photography, or mapping
- No criminal record (required for licensing)
- Valid driver’s licence
- Willingness to work shifts, including evenings or weekends
No prior drone experience is needed, making this an inclusive entry point into drone aviation.
4. What to Expect: Responsibilities & Learning Outcomes
During the programme, you’ll:
- Assist with drone setup and pre‑flight safety checks
- Plan and support drone missions and data collection activities
- Capture aerial photos and videos for client projects
- Maintain and manage drone equipment and data storage
- Participate in hands-on training until you qualify for your Remote Pilot Licence
This mix of fieldwork, mentorship, and theory ensures you graduate ready to fly in industrial contexts.
5. Programme Benefits & Outcomes
🎓 Certification
Upon completion, graduates receive a nationally recognized credential and SACAA‑certified Remote Pilot Licence.
💵 Monthly Stipend
Learners earn a stipend throughout their training, so they can cover basic expenses while gaining skills.
🚀 Career Pathways
Graduates become qualified for roles such as agricultural drone surveyors, infrastructure inspectors, security pilots, wildlife conservation operators, or aerial cinematographers.
🌱 Industry Access
Through placement with Pocoware’s client network, learners gain exposure to real project environments and potential employment post‑program.
6. How to Apply: Preparing Your Submission
To apply, prepare the following:
- Motivation letter expressing your interest in drone technology
- Updated CV
- Certified copies of your ID and Matric certificate
Applications are submitted via email to Pocoware’s hr@dpet.co.za team by the closing date (typically around July 31, 2025).
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to assessments or interviews.
7. Why This Learnership Matters in South Africa
Skills in Demand
South Africa’s drone industry is booming—with rapid growth in mining surveys, precision farming, infrastructure mapping, conservation, and entertainment. The drone market is projected to expand significantly by mid‑2025.
Protected by Regulation
Completing a licenced programme ensures you comply with SACAA Part 101 regulations. Operating commercially without an RPL is both illegal and risky. Licenced pilots are sought after by professional employers.
8. Community Voices: Insights from the Drone Industry
From practical threads among aspiring pilots:
“Drone pilot isn’t really a job, it is a skill set you use in other jobs.”
— In contexts like infrastructure inspection or filmmaking, drone skills are embedded within broader roles.
“Drone pilot education programmes are ‘taking off’. They can be a boon to youth pursuing careers in STEM.”
— Especially valuable for youth and women seeking entry into aviation and technology fields.
These reflections confirm that drone learnerships like Pocoware’s equip you with flexible, in-demand capabilities.
9. Possible Challenges to Prepare For
While exciting, drone pilot training has realities to consider:
- Licencing costs can be high if pursued privately—this programme provides a subsidised path.
- Market saturation: Many learners enter the field, so differentiation—through specialization and professionalism—is key.
- Environmental constraints: Flights are weather‑dependent and restricted in controlled airspace zones.
Balancing these challenges with preparation and adaptability is crucial to long-term success.
10. The Drone Ecosystem: What South Africa Offers
South Africa is one of Africa’s leading users of commercial drones—widely applied in mining, agriculture, conservation, and emergencies. Public‑private programs, including South Africa’s blood drone delivery pilots and mining aerial scans, demonstrate the field’s potential.
By training through Pocoware, you become part of this technological growth sector and gain meaningful access to emerging opportunities.
11. Learnership Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Pocoware Drone Pilot Learnership 2025 |
| Duration | Approx. 12 months [Learn + RPL licensing] |
| Qualification | RPL (SACAA licensed) |
| Stipend | Monthly allowance provided |
| Training Location | Pocoware field sites & training venues |
| Eligibility | SA citizen, 18+, Matric, no criminal record |
| Key Skills | Flight planning, drone regulations, data handling |
| Career Prospects | Agriculture, mining inspections, filming, wildlife, security |
13. Final Thoughts: Setting Flight Paths for Change
The Pocoware Drone Pilot Learnership offers more than hands‑on training—it offers transformation. It combines regulation‑compliant certification, career mentors, real‑world exposure, and monthly financial support to move you toward employment in drone‑driven sectors.
If you’re curious about technology, excited about flight, and committed to learning, this learnership could turn your aerial ambitions into a career that truly takes off.
✅ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not officially affiliated with Pocoware (Pty) Ltd. Program details, deadlines, or application steps may change. Interested individuals should verify information through official Pocoware channels or accredited training providers.
