Youth Volunteer Connect / Drone Program
Aerial Photography
U+ Aerial Drone Photography gives youth ages 12–30 the opportunity to learn how to safely fly and operate drones while developing practical aerial photography and video skills. Through hands-on training, participants gain real-world experience and earn volunteer hours while building skills they can continue to use in future volunteer projects. Eligible pathways also lead to drone certification.
DRONE TRAINING PROGRAM
Choose your training pathway
Progress from safe-flight foundations to certification preparation
INTRODUCTION
Meet the Training Fleet
AGES 12+
Self-paced training (Google Classroom)
Drone Safety & Regulations
Equipment Orientation
Hands-on training & practice
5 Hours
Practical Skills & Flight Exercises
Knowledge Exam
Hands-on Exam
Volunteer Hours
Certification Pathway
BASIC
Basic Pilot Pathway
AGES 14+
Self-paced training (Google Classroom)
Drone Safety & Regulations
Equipment Orientation
Hands-on training & practice
10 Hours
Practical Skills & Flight Exercises
Knowledge Exam
Hands-on Exam
Volunteer Hours
Certification Pathway
ADVANCED
Advanced Operations Pathway
AGES 16+
Self-paced training (Google Classroom)
Drone Safety & Regulations
Equipment Orientation
Hands-on training & practice
10 Hours
Practical Skills & Flight Exercises
Knowledge Exam
Hands-on Exam
Volunteer Hours
Certification Pathway
YRES provides training and preparation. Transport Canada issues Basic and Advanced pilot certificates after candidates complete the applicable federal requirements
OUR EQUIPMENT · REAL EXPERIENCE
Meet the Training Fleet
Foundations
Lightweight equipment for learning basic controls, safe handling, orientation, and confidence-building exercises.
Aerial Media
Compact camera-drone equipment for supervised photography, videography, composition, and storytelling activities.
Advanced Pathway
More capable equipment for advanced planning, operational training, and supervised aerial-media techniques.
LEARN · WATCH · GET INSPIRED
See Drones in Action.
Explore curated videos from trusted manufacturers and aviation-safety organizations.
These resources supplement instructor-led training and do not replace required orientation or supervision.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
What you need to get started.
Registered Youth Volunteer Connect Volunteer
Be between the ages of 12 and 30.
Complete all required safety orientation and pathway-specific training.
​Follow instructor direction and all applicable federal, provincial, municipal, park, privacy, and property rules.
Provide parent or guardian consent when required.
Attend scheduled training sessions in approved community-park or program locations.
Ready to take your volunteer experience higher?
Join Youth Volunteer Connect first, then express your interest in the U+ Drone Training Program. Build practical skills, earn eligible volunteer hours, and use technology to support your community.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Check Out Our Flyer
