India’s drone skilling ecosystem is set to get a big boost. The Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council (AASSC) has signed an MoU with AVPL International to launch short-term micro-credential programs aimed at preparing young people for jobs in the drone and aviation sector.
AVPL has already set up 30 AeroVision Drone Labs in 30 Indian cities with an investment of about Rs 12 crore. These labs will now offer certified courses approved by AASSC, giving students a clear pathway into employment with drone manufacturers and service companies.
The courses will run for about 30 hours and cover areas like AI-powered drones, data analytics, 3D printing and drone design, sensor applications, and hands-on operations. The fee is expected to range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000, making it affordable for students. These programs can also be considered as internship-level training, giving learners both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure.
“India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for drone technology, but there’s a huge shortage of skilled manpower,” said Dr. Preet Sandhuu, Co-Founder and MD of AVPL International. “Through these labs and micro-courses, we want to make students job-ready and bridge the education-to-employment gap. This step will help the industry grow faster and create meaningful opportunities for the youth.”
Government estimates suggest that the drone industry could create more than 10 lakh jobs by 2030 in sectors like agriculture, defense, logistics, and infrastructure. The AVPL–AASSC partnership is expected to play a key role in meeting this demand. “Certification from AASSC gives the credibility to Students’ Skill through the Skills India Mission and develops inspiration among students to take up STEM-based higher education and career paths. AASSC also likes to inform students to be aware of training institutions who are not affiliated with AASSC and try to capitalise the growing interest of students in this sector,” said Sangharakshaka V. P. CEO (Offg.), AASSC.
AVPL is also preparing to expand these courses to countries like Germany, Russia, and Japan, giving Indian students international exposure. Industry experts see this initiative as a milestone that will not only strengthen India’s drone workforce but also position the country as a global supplier of skilled talent in this field.