Under the framework of the EU Erasmus+ KA220-VET program, supported by the National Agency, the first workshop of the project titled “Development of Vocational Skills for Electromechanical Technicians in UAV Maintenance and Repair” was successfully completed by Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. The project, numbered 2023-1-TR01-KA220-VET-000151085, is being implemented in collaboration with Balıkesir University as the coordinator, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, and Mellis Educational Technologies.
The workshop, hosted by the Faculty of Agriculture, witnessed active participation from academia and industry leaders. The opening session featured speeches by Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Rector Prof. Dr. R. Cüneyt Erenoğlu, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Arda Aydın, Balıkesir University’s Edremit Civil Aviation School Director Prof. Dr. Abdullah Soykan, ÇOMU Project Coordinator Dr. Cumali Yaşar, and Mellis Educational Technologies partner Caner Anda.
Dr. Cumali Yaşar discussed the future of autonomous vehicles, Caner Anda emphasized the importance of vocational qualifications, and Prof. Dr. Abdullah Soykan shared insights on the project’s outcomes. Rector Prof. Dr. R. Cüneyt Erenoğlu highlighted the impact of UAV technology on the industry.
Workshop Highlights
Day 1: Key Presentations
- Prof. Dr. Cafer Türkmen delivered a presentation on “The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles: Revolution in Air, Land, and Sea Transport.”
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyhun Durmuş analyzed “Comparative Developments in Drone Components and Control Software.”
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gültekin Basmacı from Mehmet Akif Ersoy University provided insights into “Drone Design and Construction.”
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ünal Battal from Eskişehir Technical University presented on “UAV Market and Financing.”
- Zülhice Gözcan from Trakya University explored “Cybersecurity Aspects of Autonomous Vehicle Technologies and Their Importance for Technicians.”
The day concluded with an engaging technology demonstration by MAYFly Aviation’s General Manager, Electrical Engineer Yasin Çelik, who spoke about “The Future of Rotary-Wing UAV Systems.”
Day 2: Practical Applications and Skill Analysis The second day, led by Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University academicians and Mellis Educational Technologies representatives, started with distributing workshop task forms and a detailed briefing on implementation methods. Participants, including academics, sector representatives, and project researchers, collaborated in the session titled “Application of Occupational Analysis Forms.”
This session involved an in-depth study of the skill sets and occupational standards required for electromechanical technicians. Participants evaluated technicians’ tasks based on frequency and complexity using the occupational analysis forms. Critical areas such as drone repair, part replacement, calibration, flight testing, and troubleshooting advanced sensor communication issues were thoroughly addressed.
These practical training sessions prepared technicians for real-world applications, aligning with the project’s goal to elevate vocational standards in UAV maintenance and repair.
Strategic Outcomes
The UAVET project aims to train 100 students according to the newly developed occupational standards. The workshop was a strategic step towards increasing Turkey’s skilled workforce in UAV technologies, fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry, and equipping participants with the latest technical knowledge and best practices.
