Build drone capability inside your business for £410.
Eligible SME employers can access 90% funding towards Iprosurv’s £4,100 Drone Surveying & Digital Skills Bootcamp.
From October 2026, RNN Group and Iprosurv (a CAA Recognised Assessment Entity), supported by both South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) are delivering a Integrated Drone Surveying and Digital Construction Technologies Skills Bootcamp at Dearne Valley College.
In 6 weeks, through blended delivery (online and in-person practical session equivalent to two days per week), learners move from drone site surveys through photogrammetry, 3D mapping, ready to work confidently in a data-driven construction environment.
This is not just a course about flying a drone
Flying is only one part of the job.
The real value comes from understanding how to plan an operation, capture the right information and turn that data into something useful.
Iprosurv’s Drone Surveying & Digital Skills Bootcamp takes learners through the complete workflow:
PLAN IT.
Understand the site, airspace, risks, roles and mission objective.
FLY IT.
Develop practical platform handling and safe operational skills.
CAPTURE IT.
Collect imagery and survey data with a clear purpose.
PROCESS IT.
Turn captured data into mapped, 3D and digital outputs.
USE THE DATA.
Apply the results to measurement, reporting, inspection and real-world business workflows.
Who is Skills Bootcamp for:
This Skills Bootcamp is designed for people and organisations in the built environment who want to combine drone technology with digital construction.
It is ideal for:
- Construction companies and contractors
- Surveying and geomatics practices
- Utilities and infrastructure providers
- Local authorities and housing organisations
- Architectural practices and design consultancies
Typical learners might be:
- Site engineers and project managers
- Land and building surveyors
- Architects and architectural technologists
- Asset managers and inspectors
- Technicians looking to specialise in digital construction
Whether you are new to the sector or already working in construction and want to upskill into drone and BIM roles, this Bootcamp is built to support you.
What you will learn:
Across 6 weeks (blended delivery), learners progress through four connected areas of practice:
You will build capability across the full drone workflow rather than concentrating solely on flight.
Safe professional operations
Learn how to plan and set up drone operations around people, property and working environments.
This includes site planning, risk assessment, operational roles, pre-flight checks and emergency procedures.
Practical flying
Develop confidence handling different drone platforms and carrying out structured flight exercises.
The focus is purposeful flight rather than flying for the sake of it.
Surveying and mapping
Understand how automated mapping missions are planned and how the quality of the capture affects the final result.
Explore applications including site progress, inspection support, mapping and digital site capture.
Data processing
Learn how captured imagery can be organised, processed and quality checked to create usable digital outputs.
3D and measurement workflows
Explore mapped imagery, 3D models, measurement, terrain information and practical data outputs.
LiDAR and terrain applications
Understand how LiDAR and surface data can support applications such as terrain assessment, earthworks, stockpiles and cut-and-fill analysis.
Applying the skill
Most importantly, learn how to connect the drone operation to an actual business need, job role or service.
Certifications you will achieve:
Industry-recognised CAA certfications
Successful learners will achieve industry-recognised qualifications, including:
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC)
- CAA General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC)
These qualifications are designed to:
- Provide you with formal CAA-recognised certifications to operate drones safely and compliantly
- Demonstrate to employers that you can bridge the gap between site and digital workflows
How the Skills Bootcamp works:
- Location: Dearne Valley College, Manvers Park, Wath upon Dearne, Rotherham S63 7EW
- Start date: October 2026
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Delivery model: Blended delivery (Mix of classroom-based sessions, online modules, software labs and practical drone training)
- Lead partners: RNN Group, Iprosurv (CAA Recognised Assessment Entity)
- Supported by: South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA)
The structure is designed to allow learners to continue working while developing new skills. Each week layers theory and practice:
- Online sessions typically focus on theory, regulation, digital processes and software
- In-person sessions focus on applied exercises, project work and, where appropriate, practical drone operations
Between sessions, learners complete guided portfolio tasks, building evidence of their skills and confidence as they progress.
Funding and employer contribution
The Skills Bootcamp Integrated Drone Surveying and Digital Construction Technologies is delivered as part of the Skills Bootcamp model, designed to make high-quality technical training accessible and affordable.
- Full course value: £4100 per learner
- Employers under 250 staff: 10% contribution (£410 per learner)
- Employers over 250 staff: 30% contribution (£1230 per learner)
Learners who are not currently employed or self employed may be able to access further support, subject to eligibility and local rules.
Funding availability and contributions are subject to Skills Bootcamp eligibility criteria and may vary depending on individual circumstances and employer status. The Iprosurv training team will confirm details during the enquiry and enrolment process.
Want to check eligibility or discuss funding for your organisation?
Complete the enquiry form and we will contact you to talk through the options.
- Strong presence across South Yorkshire, ensuring accessible training locations
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Established partnerships with regional employers and industry networks
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Training shaped around local labour market needs and opportunities
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Direct links to regional growth sectors such as construction, energy, digital, and advanced manufacturing
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Access to employer-led projects, live briefs, and real-world scenarios
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Providers who understand the specific skills gaps affecting local businesses
Daniel Stanbra, Vice Principal Adult Education, Commercial and Partnership Strategy for RNN Group, said:
“RNN Group is delighted to be supporting the development of these innovative Skills Bootcamps that strengthen local economies and open pathways into technical careers, ensuring that our local communities have access to the latest training and educational opportunities.”
- Rebecca Jones, CEO of Iprosurv and CAA Recognised Assessment Entity, said:
“We’re excited to work once again with RNN Group to bring cutting-edge drone and digital construction skills to South Yorkshire. This Bootcamp balances the essential theory of regulation, airspace and operational planning with safe, practical flying and real-world data capture, so learners leave not just with CAA certifications, but with a strong grasp of the complexities of professional drone operations and the confidence to collect, process and use drone data that genuinely adds value to digital construction projects.”
Register your interest or enquire about places
If you are an individual interested in joining the Bootcamp, or an organisation looking to sponsor one or more learners, please complete the short form below and a member of the training team will contact you.