ISA Highlights Workforce Innovation at RPAS in Australian Skies 2025

Industry Skills Australia (ISA) was proud to participate in the RPAS in Australian Skies 2025 conference, hosted by the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS) on the 16-18 June 2025 in Canberra. Representing ISA, Industry Engagement Manager Mori Hajizadeh delivered a presentation that highlighted the organisation’s pivotal role in shaping the future of Australia’s aviation workforce.

The RPAS in Australian Skies conference is a premier event for the Australian drone and uncrewed aviation sector, attracting key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. The conference focused on critical themes such as regulatory updates, airspace integration, industry challenges, emerging technologies, real-world drone applications, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and cybersecurity in RPAS operations.

Mori’s presentation focused on ISA’s role in workforce development, with a spotlight on the soon-to-be-released 2025 Aviation Workforce Plan. He also shared insights into several forward-looking initiatives, including:

A Tiered, Competency-Based Approach to RPAS: A framework designed to better align training and skill needs with the complexity and risk profile of RPAS operations.
AAM Skills Gap Analysis: A comprehensive study to identify current and future workforce needs in the emerging AAM sector.
Remote Pilot Licence Project: This initiative focuses on reviewing and updating the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) to reflect current industry practices and better align the qualification with the requirements of the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). The project aims to supporting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the rapidly expanding drone and uncrewed aviation sector.

Key highlights from the conference included:

Regulatory Updates from CASA and the Department of Infrastructure, including the Roadmap for AAM Aircraft Type Certification, the National Advanced Air Mobility Strategy, and ICAO’s AAM Study Group
Airservices Australia updates on the path to a safe, efficient, and fully integrated airspace
Real-World Applications of drones and AAM in police operations, emergency response, freight logistics, and agriculture
AAM CRC Updates on research and innovation and enhancing regional connectivity
Higher Education Sector initiatives to identify and address AAM-related skills and training needs

ISA extends a sincere thank you to Greg Tyrrell and the entire AAUS team for organising such a dynamic and forward-thinking event. The conference provided a fantastic opportunity to engage with stakeholders and explore the future of skills and training in the RPAS and AAM sectors.