Co-Funded Drone Training
At Iprosurv, we believe that access to training should never be limited by circumstance.
That’s why we have actively created partnerships and secured multiple channels for Co-Funding for our accredited drone training programmes and bespoke training – Accessible to everyone-whether self-employed, employed, or currently out of work.
By working with a range of partners and funding bodies, we provide opportunity for businesses to upskill their workforce, individuals can expand their professional capabilities, and those seeking new opportunities can develop future-ready skills in one of the UK’s fastest-growing technology sectors.
Our commitment to co-funded training not only supports economic growth but also empowers people to embrace innovation, drive productivity, and contribute to a more advanced, digitally skilled workforce.
To discuss co-funded opportunities we currently have available please contact our team.
Drone Bootcamps
Drone Bootcamps are intensive, skills-focused programmes designed to deliver fast, practical training for adults, employees and businesses.
These short, concentrated sessions provide participants with hands-on flight experience, along with essential knowledge of drone safety, regulation and real-world applications.
The focus is on building work-ready skills that can be applied immediately across sectors such as construction, agriculture, surveying, media and environmental management.
For organisations, bootcamps offer a cost-effective way to upskill staff and integrate drone technology into daily operations.
For individuals, they provide a valuable pathway to reskilling, upskilling or returning to the workforce, aligning with national adult skills and back-to-work programmes.
By completing a bootcamp, participants gain not only practical drone piloting experience but also the confidence and knowledge needed to apply drones in professional, commercial and community settings, helping to drive both personal career growth and organisational innovation.
A2 Certificate of Competency
(A2 C of C)
The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is the essential qualification for individuals who want to fly drones closer to people within the Open Category under the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regul
ations. It provides the knowledge and certification needed to operate safely and legally, whether for work or personal development.
Through Iprosurv’s co-funded drone training programme, learners gain a solid understanding of drone operation, safety, and airspace awareness — building the foundation for professional flight or further progression to the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC).
What the A2 CofC Training Includes
- Interactive Ground School Training – Covering key topics such as UK air law, airspace classifications, meteorology, flight safety, and human performance.
- Theory Examination – A formal online test assessing your understanding of operational safety, drone performance, and environmental awareness.
- Practical Flight Training (Optional) – Hands-on flight experience to build control, precision, and confidence with your drone under professional instruction.
- Operational Awareness – Guidance on flying safely in urban and rural environments, maintaining visual line of sight, and managing flight risk responsibly.
Why It Matters
The A2 CofC qualification allows you to fly closer to uninvolved people than is permitted under basic drone rules — expanding where and how you can operate. It’s ideal for those who use drones for photography, inspection, marketing, surveying, or creative projects, and it forms the first step for anyone looking to progress into commercial or higher-risk operations.
Whether you are employed and seeking to upskill, self-employed and looking to expand your service offering, or unemployed and preparing to re-enter the workforce, Iprosurv’s co-funded A2 CofC training provides a nationally recognised qualification designed to open new career opportunities and enhance professional capability.
General Visual Line of Sight Certificate
(GVC)
The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) is the industry-standard qualification for anyone looking to operate drones professionally 
within the Specific Category under the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) framework. It is a recognised certification required for commercial drone operations that go beyond the basic Open Category permissions.
Through Iprosurv’s co-funded drone training programme, learners gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to safely plan, conduct, and manage drone operations in complex environments — opening the door to careers across industries such as construction, surveying, agriculture, inspection, emergency services, and media.
What the GVC Training Includes
- Comprehensive Ground School Training – Covering UK air law, flight planning, meteorology, human factors, and operational safety procedures.
- Theory Examination – A formal online or in-person assessment testing your understanding of aviation legislation, airspace classifications, safety protocols, and flight planning.
- Practical Flight Training – Hands-on flying experience under expert instruction, developing precision, control, and confidence in real-world conditions.
- Operations Manual Workshop – Step-by-step guidance to create your own CAA-compliant operations manual, tailored to your business or operational needs.
- Practical Flight Assessment – Demonstrating competence and control through a supervised flight test with a qualified Iprosurv assessor.
- Operational Authorisation Application – Support with applying to the CAA for your Operational Authorisation, enabling you to fly within the Specific Category.
Why It Matters
Holding a GVC qualification demonstrates that you are a competent, responsible, and certified drone operator capable of undertaking commercial work safely and legally. For businesses and self-employed professionals, it represents a gateway to advanced drone operations and expanded service capabilities.
Whether you’re employed and looking to upskill, self-employed seeking new opportunities, or unemployed and aiming to retrain for the future, Iprosurv’s co-funded GVC course provides a nationally recognised pathway into one of the UK’s fastest-growing technology sectors.
Course Outcomes and Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the GVC, you’ll gain the certification and confidence to operate drones commercially across a range of high-demand sectors. This qualification demonstrates to employers and clients that you are a CAA-certified professional operator, capable of managing operations safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with aviation law.
Career opportunities include:
-
Drone Surveyor – Capturing precise aerial data for construction, mapping, and engineering projects.
-
Inspection Specialist – Conducting visual and thermal inspections for utilities, renewables, and infrastructure.
-
Agricultural and Environmental Operator – Supporting precision farming, land management, and environmental monitoring.
-
Emergency Services Support – Assisting in search and rescue, fire assessment, and disaster response.
-
Media and Creative Production – Capturing high-quality aerial footage for film, television, and marketing.
Iprosurv’s co-funded GVC training not only equips you with the technical skills but also positions you for long-term career growth in one of the UK’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding technology sectors.
Take the Next Step – Apply for Funded Drone Training
Ready to take your career to new heights? Whether you’re looking to enhance your existing skills, develop new capabilities, or retrain for a future in drone technology, Iprosurv’s co-funded General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) programme gives you everything you need to get started.
✔ CAA-recognised qualification
✔ Hands-on practical training
✔ Nationally funded opportunities
✔ Expert instruction from leading industry professionals
Check your eligibility today and start your journey towards becoming a certified drone operator with one of the UK’s most respected training providers.
👉 Your future in flight begins with Iprosurv.
Discovery Days
Iprosurv’s Drone Discovery Days are short, high-impact sessions designed to give participants their first taste of drone technology. Perfect for schools, colleges, community groups and adult learning providers, these sessions provide an engaging introduction to drones, covering their uses, safety and the exciting career opportunities they unlock.
Discovery Days typically last 2–4 hours and are held once per month, offering a mix of live demonstrations, hands-on mini-drone flying and inspiring presentations that showcase how drones are transforming industries such as construction, agriculture, media, surveying and environmental management.
These sessions are also ideal for businesses wanting to explore drone adoption, educators looking to expand their knowledge of drone use cases, and individuals who want to step into a new industry, return to the workforce, or simply learn a new skill. Whether used as a standalone enrichment activity or as the first step into a longer training pathway, Drone Discovery Days are an excellent way to spark curiosity, build confidence and open minds to the possibilities of a drone-enabled future.
Drones are far more than futuristic gadgets-they are a transformative technology reshaping how we work, learn, and innovate. PwC’s Skies Without Limits report highlights how drones enable organisations to complete tasks faster, safer, more cost-effectively, and with a smaller environmental footprint than traditional methods.
-
Up to £45 billion could be added to the UK economy
-
Over 900,000 drones could operate in UK skies
-
Around £22 billion in cost savings may be realised
-
2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions could be prevented
-
As many as 650,000 new jobs could be created
For education, these figures are more than statistics-they are a call to action. Drones are a powerful tool for building STEM engagement, digital literacy, and 21st-century skills, giving students hands-on experience with the very technologies transforming the economy. By introducing drones through STEM days, curriculum projects, and drone bootcamps, educators can bridge the digital skills gap and prepare learners for the high-tech careers of tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is the maximum number of staff we can put forward?
There is no limit on numbers applied for. We can schedule multiple cohorts, dates and locations to suit demand.
Where do you deliver?
Nationwide. We can train on site at your premises (subject to eligibility) or at selected venues across the UK.
How far in advance should we book?
Most employers book 6 weeks ahead. If you have urgent timelines, tell us and we will try to accommodate.
Can you run private, on-site cohorts for our team?
Yes. We will agree dates, capacity and any site requirements in advance.
Do you tailor content to our sector?
Yes. We regularly tailor examples and exercises for construction, utilities, environment, media and other sectors.
What spaces do we need to provide?
A classroom with a screen for theory, plus a large indoor area for mini-drone flying. We will advise on suitability during planning. For outside practical flying this will need to be a large open space area.
Are you insured?
Yes. Training and flight activities are fully insured. Evidence of cover is available on request.
What about safeguarding and DBS?
Trainers working with under-18s hold appropriate checks. We follow venue and client safeguarding policies.
Pricing and reporting policies
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We share clear terms at booking and will work with you to reschedule where possible.
What is the pricing model?
CAA-accredited courses are priced per learner or per cohort, depending on the format. CPD and Student Enrichment days are a fixed-day rate. Co-funding may reduce employer costs.
What reporting do we receive?
Attendance, completion and certification outcomes as standard. Additional reporting can be provided for internal stakeholders.
Training Options
Can we send people for non-accredited training?
Yes. We offer non-accredited workshops, Discovery Days and bespoke CPD alongside CAA-accredited pathways.
Do you conduct flight training?
Yes. Practical flight training is included for A2 CofC, GVC and Drone Bootcamps, or delivered as a stand-alone module.
Do you provide the drones and equipment?
Yes. All training platforms and insurance are included for practical sessions.
Can we mix CAA accredited and non-accredited sessions?
Yes. Many employers combine a Discovery Day or CPD workshop with A2 CofC or GVC for selected staff.
What are the typical group sizes?
Classroom modules can scale to large groups. Practical flying runs in smaller groups to maximise hands-on time.
Do you integrate with our LMS or HR systems?
We can provide completion data and evidence for upload to your systems. Talk to us about formats.
Will staff receive certificates?
Yes. Accredited courses include certification on successful completion. We also provide attendance evidence for CPD.
Do you support CAA compliance and paperwork?
Yes. GVC includes an operations manual workshop and support with your CAA Operational Authorisation application.
What ongoing support is available after training?
Graduates can access guidance on equipment, workflows and next steps. We also offer refreshers and advanced modules.
Funding
What funding levels are typically available?
Funding is subject to eligibility. As a guide:
- Unemployed or salaried below £25,000: up to 100% of training costs covered.
- Drone Bootcamps (sector-specific): 10% to 30% employer or learner contribution.
- Standalone courses (outside Sector-specific Drone Bootcamps): 50% to 65% of costs typically covered.
Do we have to apply for funding?
In some instances, yes. Some routes require a formal application. We will guide you through the process step by step and provide the documentation you need.
Who is eligible for the highest level of support?
Learners who are unemployed or employed with a salary below £25,000 may qualify for up to 100% funding, subject to provider and regional criteria.
How are Drone Bootcamps contributions set?
The 10% to 30% contribution depends on the funding channel, sector and organisation size. For the non-specific sector, up to 50% contribution. We confirm the exact percentage during eligibility checks.
Can multiple staff be included under one application?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of staff you can put forward. We can schedule multiple cohorts and locations as needed.
When will we know our final contribution?
After the eligibility check and cohort planning. We issue a written breakdown showing the funded amount and any employer or learner contribution.
Are there regional differences?
Sometimes. Certain funding streams vary by region or sector. We will advise on the best available route for your location.
What costs are included?
Tuition, assessment and core learning resources are covered under funded routes. For practical sessions we include drones, kit and insurance. Any additional costs will be confirmed in advance.
Ready to take flight?
Whether you’re self-employed, seeking new opportunities, or looking to upskill your workforce, our co-funded drone training is your route to growth, innovation, and a future-ready career.
Rise above — start your journey today.