THOUSANDS of RAF Air Cadets are to offered training to be drone pilots.
Around 40,000 will have the chance to get qualified, in a move designed to boost job prospects in science and engineering while spotting future pilots.
Courses recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority will be offered to all existing cadets.
Alex Williamson, the head of Air Cadets drone training, said pupils that reach the top level would “be able to walk straight into a job in industry”.
Around a third of RAF cadets go on to careers in the military.
Cadet Corporal Charlie Stewart, 15, said he now wants to be an RAF drone pilot after the training.
He said: “If we’re going to be the best military, we’re going to need the best drone pilots.”
It comes as the Government has pledged £70million to recruit another 40,000 cadets across the RAF, Army and Navy over the next five years.
It plans to increase total cadet numbers to 182,000 by 2030 to boost recruitment and links between the military and society.
At the National Air & Space Camp in RAF Syerston, Newark, yesterday, veterans minister Al Carns said: “The cadets provides children with experiences and opportunities, everything from leadership, Stem skills, teamwork, discipline, boundaries and principles.
“It’s about preparing children for the challenges of later life.”
Veterans minister Al Carns flies a drone at the National Air & Space Camp at RAF Syerston[/caption]