Witnessing the Emergence of a New Profession in Europe: UAVET Project Meeting Held in Buzău
Partners of the Erasmus+ KA220-VET project “Developing Vocational Skills of Electro-Mechanical Technicians for UAV Maintenance and Repair” convened in Buzău, Romania on April 14–15, 2025.
Funded under the Erasmus+ KA220-VET action, the UAVET Project aims to strengthen human capital in the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies by developing new professional standards and vocational training tools. The project’s second transnational meeting was hosted by the “Traian Vuia” Air Force Non-Commissioned Officers Military School (SMMMSFA) in Buzău, Romania.
This meeting served not only as a coordination event but also as a significant milestone for the definition of a new profession across Europe, development of structured training programs, enhancement of cultural diplomacy, and institutional cooperation.
Meeting Agenda and Project Progress
Spanning two full days, the meeting addressed key topics in both technical production and management, including:
- Finalization of modular training programs in multiple languages
- Completion and subtitling of the UAV maintenance video library
- Design of the digital user handbook
- Planning for pilot testing and dissemination
- Quality assurance and external evaluation frameworks
- Sustainable cooperation with national VET authorities, including Türkiye’s MYK
By the conclusion of the meeting, the majority of intellectual outputs had been finalized and uploaded to the project’s LMS platform.
MYK Process in Türkiye: Toward a National Qualification
The UAVET Project is not only focused on developing educational content but also plays a leading role in shaping a new professional domain in Türkiye. As part of the project, formal collaboration has been established with the Vocational Qualifications Authority (MYK) for the definition and official recognition of the “UAV Maintenance and Repair Operator” profession.
As the national regulatory body responsible for defining occupational standards and certification, MYK aligns all vocational qualifications with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Once finalized, this new qualification will offer certified, skill-based employment opportunities and facilitate cross-border recognition of UAV technicians.
Where Technical Training Meets Culture: The Romania Experience
As host of the meeting, SMMMSFA offered an exemplary environment combining military discipline with modern vocational training. Participants had the opportunity to:
- Tour the Boboc Air Base, experiencing UAV and aviation systems firsthand
- Visit military simulation labs and engage with cadets
- Join a guided cultural excursion to the Mud Volcanoes of Buzău
- Explore local artisan markets and engage with regional heritage
This comprehensive engagement served as a model of educational diplomacy, combining professional training with cultural context and international dialogue.
Participant Reflection: A Shared Vision for the Future
Following the meeting, Dr. Cumali Yaşar (Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University) offered the following remarks:
“This was not merely a project meeting—it was a collaborative design space where shared educational and employment visions met academic discipline, practical expertise, and cultural awareness. Witnessing the birth of a new professional domain, and contributing to its structure, has been one of the most fulfilling moments of my academic career.”
Also Prof. Cosmin Daniel Nedelcu, the project coordinator for the Traian Vuia Military School stated that:
“ The transnational meeting was a huge success, far bigger than what we expected! Our partners are professors and domain experts that possess the knowledge necessary for the birth of a future project!
We need to understand that UAVs are a part of the present and they will shape the future ! We are delighted to be part of this project and we hope to continue our collaboration for the years to come.”
Prof. Dr. Lucia Raileanu-member of the project team-”Erasmus+ projects in the field of vocational education and training, such as UAVET, support the development of specialized technical skills that are essential for adapting to the evolving demands of the aeronautical industry.”
Besides, Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyhun Durmuş (Balikesir University) offered the following remarks:
“UAV technicians play a vital role in the rapidly evolving defense and aviation industries. As autonomous and electric systems become increasingly widespread, the demand for skilled professionals in these areas continues to grow. This field, which will shape the technologies of the future, presents significant opportunities for both employment and career advancement. Through this project, we not only address sectoral needs but also increase the expertise of all partner organizations in UAV systems.”
