Innovative training programs

EUROPEAN PROGRAM: “FlyVETUp”

Innovative training program for "Drones"

In recent years, as a result of rapid technological developments, the Postal Services, like other services, have had to quickly adapt to new data and market requirements, so that they continue to be up-to-date and competitive.

This adaptation is broad and varied in its’ nature and includes organizational issues, technological equipment, working methods, customer management and work culture. Staff training and re-training are the "keys" to managing and implementing these necessary changes through the development of employees' skills and competencies, so that they can respond swiftly in a versatile and effective manner to the ever-changing challenges of new technology and the market.

In this context, Cyprus Post participates in the European Program Erasmus +, "FlyVETUp" together with six other partners. The implementation of the program started in November 2020 and its’ completion is expected in November 2022.

The goal of the Program is to raise awareness and examine the possibilities of using "Drones" or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in the Postal Services. Postal Offices are now realizing the huge potential benefits of using Drones, such as delivering medical supplies, newspapers and mail to remote or inaccessible areas, delivering goods from land to ships and vice versa, and delivering goods purchased through e-commerce.

Despite the new demand that has been created and the existing possibilities of current technology, to date there have not been any extensive training programs put out there in the market to develop the requisite skills in flying and operating "Drones". The "FlyVETUp" Program addresses exactly this need and simultaneously seizes and utilizes the tremendous opportunities created. Specifically, it aims to create extensive training material specifically designed for the use of UAVs in postal services, which will be available to Postal Staff on three e-learning platforms.

The Program is funded by the European Union. Three (3) Postal Organizations, three (3 Vocational Training Institutions and a company specialized in UAV participate in it as follows:

Croatian Post Inc - Croatia

Hellenic Post - Greece

Department of Postal Services - Cyprus Post

Aeronautical Technical Secondary School – Croatia

AKMI S.A – Greece

BK-con Germany

Dronint - Cyprus