PSiRA Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme 2026: Fully Funded Drone Training

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) is calling on registered female security officers to apply for Phase 2 of its Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme – a fully funded 6-to-8-week training course that teaches practical drone operating skills for the security sector. Open to South African women aged 18 to 40 who are registered with PSiRA, the programme covers accommodation and transport for the full training period. Applications close on 14 August 2026, so time is short.

PSiRA is the statutory body that regulates South Africa’s private security industry – one of the largest in the world, employing more than half a million registered officers. The authority has increasingly invested in skills development to modernise the sector, and drone technology is at the centre of that shift, with drones now used for surveillance, patrols, estate security and incident response.

The Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme is specifically designed to bring more women into this high-tech corner of the industry. Phase 2 builds on the programme’s first intake and delivers training through an SACAA-accredited training organisation (RPAS Training, SACAA/1121/ATO). It is a targeted transformation initiative: women remain under-represented in both security and aviation-adjacent careers, and this programme addresses both at once.

Practical drone flying and management for surveillance, patrols and incident response

Safety regulations and basic aviation terminology

Skills increasingly demanded by large security firms and other industries

Accommodation and transport provided for the duration of the training

Networking with accredited industry trainers

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Registered with PSiRA and in good standing

Matric certificate with at least 50% in English

Good health and a passion for technology – shortlisted candidates undergo an Aviation Class III Medical Examination

Certified copy of your South African ID

Certified copy of your Matric certificate

Check that your PSiRA registration is active and your contact details are up to date.

Gather all required documents and save them as clear PDF files.

Compose an email stating your interest in the Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme – Phase 2, using a professional email address.

Attach all documents and send your application to droneprogramme@psira.co.za before the closing date.

If shortlisted, you will be booked for an Aviation Class III Medical Examination and receive training dates.

Apply at PSiRA (email droneprogramme@psira.co.za)

The closing date for the PSiRA Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme Phase 2 is 14 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.

South Africa’s private security industry employs hundreds of thousands of women, most in entry-level guarding roles with limited advancement paths. Drone piloting changes that equation: it is a scarce, certifiable technical skill commanding better pay and opening doors well beyond security – mining, agriculture, film production and disaster management all hire drone operators.

The programme does not pay a stipend and does not guarantee a job or formal qualification, but fully funded specialist training with accommodation included is rare, and the skills gained can move a security officer from the gate to the control room. For women already registered with PSiRA, this is a genuine career accelerator at zero cost.

No. Phase 2 of this programme is specifically for female security officers as part of PSiRA’s transformation goals.

No stipend is paid, but the training is fully funded and accommodation and transport are provided for the duration of the course.

You must be registered with PSiRA and in good standing. Keep your registration and contact details current before applying.

The programme does not guarantee employment, but drone expertise is increasingly valued by large security firms and industries such as mining, agriculture and disaster management.

You will support administrative functions and collaborate with colleagues across different departments to gain a well-rounded understanding of the organisation, while participating in training sessions and professional development activities. As an intern, your responsibilities will typically include assisting senior team members with daily tasks and project deliverables, conducting research and preparing reports as directed by your supervisor, and attending team meetings to contribute ideas.

A willingness to learn and adapt in a professional environment, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. South African citizenship or valid work permit, and a relevant qualification or current enrolment at a recognised tertiary institution.

This opportunity was sourced from Nasi-Ispani. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.

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Check that your PSiRA registration is active and your contact details are up to date. Gather all required documents and save them as clear PDF files. Compose an email stating your interest in the Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme – Phase 2, using a professional email address. Attach all documents and send your application to droneprogramme@psira.co.za before the closing date. If shortlisted, you will be booked for an Aviation Class III Medical Examination and receive training dates. Apply at PSiRA (email droneprogramme@psira.co.za)

Email application: droneprogramme@psira.co.za

This internship is offered by PSiRA Women Drone Pilot Skills.