iRed students taking their practical drone flight assessment.
One of the country’s leading drone and remote sensing tech businesses has launched a new training centre in Lancaster.
iRed, which is headquartered in Emsworth near Portsmouth in Hampshire, has been providing training for 15 years.
It pioneered the use of infrared technology in numerous sectors and now is leading the way in multispectral imaging and photogrammetry – techniques that gather astonishing visual details.
iRed is also at the forefront of drone technology and combines that with its remote sensing expertise.
The new tech is creating jobs in a variety of industries and the company’s partnership with Lancaster University will enable businesses and individuals to take advantage of the opportunities.
Courses at the university’s Forrest Hills Training Facility will include drone flying as well as thermal, multispectral and photogrammetry courses.
Steve Welland, iRed’s training manager, said: “Although we deliver bespoke courses across the country this is our first permanent base away from Hampshire.
“We will be running Commercial Remote Pilot Qualifications (PfCO) courses at first, then we will be adding thermal, multispectral and photogrammetry courses.
“These skills are used in a variety of industries from electronics and construction to equine care and renewable energy.
“Becoming a drone pilot opens up a world of opportunity as does understanding the other techniques we teach.
“We already work with universities and are the country’s first DJI Educational Partner – meaning we provide equipment and expertise to take into schools.
“The link up with Lancaster University means we can deliver our courses to those in the north-west.
“The on-site facilities are second-to-none, and the wide open spaces provide a safe and controlled environment for practical flight assessments and drone training.”
