„We want the opportunity to get acquainted with drone technologies and gain practical skills to be independent of the city where students live. That is why the „Airtech“ network is constantly expanding. The expansion of drone training to 4 new cities proves that Lithuanian youth are incredibly interested in the future of aviation and robotics. From this autumn, even more students will have a unique opportunity not only to fly a drone but also to understand the subtleties of piloting and programming,“ says Valdas Jankauskas, director of the Lithuanian Non-formal Education Agency and initiator and executor of the „Airtech“ project.
Students can already register for training in the new „Airtech“ centers opening this September in Klaipėda, Ukmergė, Panevėžys, and Plungė. The centers already operating in Jonava, Kėdainiai, and Tauragė will continue their activities.
Mayors of the cities newly joining the „Airtech“ network and representatives of educational institutions unanimously agree that the start of „Airtech“ clubs in the regions is a strong impulse for the local education system. According to them, this modern non-formal education program will not only fill the need for innovative activities but also help lay the foundation for a generation of future technology creators to grow right in their region.
With the NVŠ basket – free of charge
„I am happy that the expansion of „Airtech“ allows an increasing number of children to get involved with future technologies. Our goal is to give every Lithuanian student the opportunity to explore the world of drones, feel like a real engineer creating them, and an innovator applying drones in various fields of life. We can be proud that as „Airtech“ expands, not only our community grows but also the circle of partners who understand the benefits of „Airtech“ for the future of Lithuania,“ says Kristina Virgayle, head of the LINEŠA „Airtech“ department.
This year, „Airtech“ plans to train at least 1200 students in 7 cities. The training cost is 25 euros per month.
„And by signing the NVŠ basket agreement, parents will not have to pay anything extra – the training fee will be compensated by the municipality,“ says K. Virgayle.
„Airtech“ training is not only for children. In all cities where „Airtech“ operates, adults will also be trained to operate drones. This year, introductory training plans to train 600 adults.
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„Since June, „Airtech“ has introduced a new adult training program that allows acquiring drone knowledge in a short time regardless of the city where a person lives,“ says K. Virgayle.
Training this year will also include practical activities. „Airtech“ training attendees can look forward to 8 open drone competitions, providing an opportunity for participants to apply their knowledge and skills in practice and compete with others.
Inviting other municipalities to join
The map of „Airtech“ branches is constantly changing from 2024. According to K. Virgayle, all municipalities that understand the benefits and impact of drones on the future and aim to nurture a future generation based on innovation can join and become LINEŠA partners.
„We are flexible, so today it is difficult to specify exactly in which cities and to what extent the network will expand further. However, we definitely foresee a new expansion phase from September 1, 2027,“ says K. Virgayle.
Goal – 14 „Airtech“ centers across Lithuania
„Airtech“ drone training centers started operating last year in Jonava, Tauragė, and Kėdainiai. From this autumn, „Airtech“ activities will also take place in Klaipėda, Plungė, Ukmergė, and Panevėžys.
It is planned that by 2028, at least 14 such centers will operate in Lithuania, training about 7,000 children and 1,700 adults. This year alone, about 1200 students are planned to be trained in „Airtech“ centers across Lithuania.
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Registration for training here.
