FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Nicoela (Nikki) McCoy
Deputy Director-General Economic Reg. & Admin
Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Island
P.O. Box 10277 APO, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BWI
Tel: 345-949-7811, ext. 224; Fax: 345-949-0761
E-mail: nikki.mccoy@caacayman.com
STUDENTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 19 YEARS ARE INVITED TO BUILD AND FLY THEIR VERY OWN DRONE!
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (28 July 2021) – Designed for students between the ages of 16 and 19 years old, Enterprise Cayman in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) and the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) have announced they will be hosting a drone making workshop this summer.
Applications are now being accepted for this hands-on immersive learning experience that is designed to encourage interest in STEM subjects as well as offer engaging learning opportunities for young adults. During the workshop, attendees will not only learn about drone technology, students will also have the opportunity to meet the experts who will share their experiences and help them to build and fly their very own drone.
“The drone building workshop isn’t just about learning to build and fly quadcopters,” explained Enterprise Cayman’s new VP of Public Engagement and Technology, Peter Reilly. “It’s about learning practical skills in electronics, engineering, teamwork, and design. We want students to learn about iterative design and apply it in the build of an exciting and fun product. This workshop is as much about the ‘how’ as it is about the ‘why’ in the design process. By taking this approach, we hope that the students will feel inspired and empowered to take on new challenges and to generate excitement for future careers in technology.”
Event partner CAACI will be helping to facilitate the workshop for teens and lead several educational sessions. “As the CAACI is responsible for the regulatory oversight of the use of drones in the Cayman Islands, we are pleased to be able to play such an active role in this workshop,” said Mr. Richard Smith, Director-General of the CAACI. “This workshop will not only highlight the technological aspects of drones but will allow us the opportunity to share with the attendees the importance of drone safety, including the requirements for engaging in commercial operations and other critical issues like restrictions and general safe operational practices”
The cross-sector collaboration between Enterprise Cayman, CAACI and UCCI offers high-quality and accessible learning opportunities for individuals and young adults living in the Cayman Islands. “As the nation’s public university, we are pleased to support this exciting workshop and encourage experiential learning opportunities in STEM,” said Dr. Stacy McAfee, President and CEO of the University College of the Cayman Islands. “The learning that occurs is not only exciting but allows students to develop creative thinking which is key to problem solving and innovation.”
As part of the workshop, attendees will be provided with drone making equipment and all the materials required for the build. At the end of the two-day session, students will be able to take home their 3D printed drones and may wish to develop their build further by adding sensors, First Person View (FPV) capability, and other special features. “It’s an excellent opportunity for those interested in engineering, technology, or aviation to expand their knowledge, gain experience, and network with professionals in the field,” added Reilly.
The two-day workshop takes place at UCCI on Saturday and Sunday, 21-22 August 2021. Applications are now being accepted and the registration fee is CI $50 per student, which includes breakfast, lunch and all the equipment for both days of the workshop.
The expected workshop agenda is as follows:
*Please note the agenda below is subject to change.
Day One – Saturday, 21 August 2021
8:00 am – Breakfast & Registration
9:00 am – Welcome Remarks & Introductions
10:00 am – Intro to Drones Presentation
11:00 am – Drone Making Workshop Session
12:00 pm – Lunch Break & Networking
1:00 pm – Drone Making Workshop Session
3:00 pm – Pick Up and Sign Out
Day Two – Sunday, 22 August 2021
8:00 am – Breakfast & Presentation
9:00 am – Drone Making Workshop Session
11:00 am – Drone Presentation
12:00 pm – Lunch Break & Networking
1:00 pm – Drone Flying & Troubleshooting
3:00 pm – Presentation & Info Session (Parents Invited!)
For more information and to apply visit: https://www.caymanenterprisecity.com/droneworkshop or email innovate@enterprisecayman.ky.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call: +1 345 945-3722
Contact: Peter Reilly
E-mail: innovate@enterprisecayman.ky
Web: www.enterprisecayman.ky
Facebook: @enterprisecayman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enterprise-cayman
About Enterprise Cayman
Enterprise Cayman is a partnership between Cayman Enterprise City and the Cayman Islands Government and is designed to connect Caymanians with opportunities within the Special Economic Zones (SEZs). SEZs include, Cayman Tech City, Cayman Commodities & Derivatives City, and Cayman Maritime & Aviation City. The partnership’s primary focus is to help young Caymanians, including those who wish to re-tool for a career change, acquire the skills they need to fill the jobs that are being created within the SEZs. Other goals include raising local awareness of and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers and, in partnership with the National Workforce Development Agency, helping high school and college students acquire the resume writing, job interview techniques and networking skills needed to pursue STEM careers.
About the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands
The role of the CAACI is primarily to function as the regulatory organisation responsible for safety oversight and economic regulation of the aviation industry throughout the territory and to ensure that the Cayman Islands aviation industry conforms to the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The guiding legislation to ensure compliance with the ICAO standards and recommended practices is the Air Navigation (Overseas Territory) Order.
About the University College of the Cayman Islands
The University College of the Cayman Islands’ mission is to provide higher learning that contributes to the Cayman Islands and global societies by advancing knowledge and developing innovative graduates through its educational, cultural and social activities.