Drone Games Event
Southeast Alberta’s Prairie Rose School Division hosted its first Drone Games event at Eagle Butte Highschool on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Target stations were set-up and invited students and drone enthusiasts to strategically fly the up and coming technology for four hours.
Deputy Superintendent for Prairie Rose School Division Reagan Weeks says the school envisions a relative future for the drone and aerospace programs as the fine arts and athletics programs.
“We’ve worked really hard to develop opportunities around fine arts and athletics. Many people have excelled in those industries. There are other areas that fit other students, and that is part of the interest with Drone Games and our Flight Academy — we want to make sure students have the same opportunities that align with their strengths,” says Weeks.
APEX Alberta, along with other Regional Innovation Networks in the province, received $1.17 million for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) funding from Alberta Innovates. The aerospace and defense industry is estimated to grow largely and organizations have started to recognize this.
The school division sees interest and passion for the technology in their students, and they know drones might translate into what they might pursue in the future.
“We strive to inspire life-long learning. At any time, it's great to learn about new technology. We see the passion and interest students have, so there is no better time to integrate that learning than now,” says Weeks.
Qinetiq Target Systems is a global company based in the United Kingdom, and there are operations in Brier Park, Medicine Hat. The company manufactures, repairs, and operates equipment used for military training. Qinetiq had a table set-up at Drone Games to show participants there are opportunities close to home.
Telisha Mielke has been the operations supply specialist with Qinetiq for over 12 years. She says the event helps bring awareness and introduces curiosity around the aerospace industry.
“The people here today learn how a small target operates, and then in the future they can see how a bigger target operates, whether it’s visiting Qinetiq and seeing our targets, or building and maintaining airplanes,” says Mielke. “We hope to see more and more people over the year to explore and experience this industry.”
Cody Schenkey has worked with Alberta Drones for over three years and is now the director of operations. He is excited to see students have the opportunity to learn about drone and aerospace technology so early in their education.
“I think educating people now is super important for this technology moving forward. The opportunity this brings for students is absolutely phenomenal, that I wish I had when I was in school,” says Schenkey. “As soon as students can fly, they should start looking into it if they’re interested. It gives them a head start, and that way they can pave their way to be successful going into graduation, and then can continue to grow that skill afterwards.”