New initiative aims to equip students with industry-recognized certifications and meet the growing demand for skilled drone operators.
The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) has partnered with Dallas College to develop a new workforce development program designed to meet the growing demand for skilled drone operators in today’s rapidly evolving aerospace industry. This initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge and certifications needed for careers in the expanding drone marketplace in Texas and across the U.S.
As drones become integral to sectors like public safety, commercial industries, and military and government operations, the need for trained and certified drone operators is increasing. North Texas, in particular, has emerged as a key area for drone delivery services, with companies such as Zipline®, Google’s Wing®, and WalMart® conducting proof-of-concept operations. These activities are expected to provide valuable real-world data to assist the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in developing Universal Traffic Management (UTM) regulations, which will enable widespread drone use across the U.S. without the need for special authorizations or costly ground-based infrastructure.
Drone Training at Dallas College
Josh Olds, President and CEO of USI, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration with Dallas College. “We spent the greater part of 2024 getting to know Dallas College, their staff, and management team,” said Olds. “It was incredibly impressive to witness firsthand the passion they all carry related to developing and offering programs that provide their students with job-ready knowledge and skills that will translate into exciting and rewarding career opportunities.”
Olds added that the drone industry is evolving quickly, and new FAA regulations will further accelerate industry growth and the need for skilled workers. “USI certifications are aligned with FAA requirements and internationally recognized best practices standards, endorsed by aviation insurance underwriters,” he explained. “These certifications are the same ones we use for our commercial customers, providing immediate recognition when companies review applications for new drone staff.”
Producing “Industry-Ready Candidates”
Dr. Shawnda Floyd, Provost at Dallas College, highlighted the college’s reputation for providing high-quality, accessible educational opportunities. “We are so pleased to be partnering with USI to provide this new drone program that will produce industry-ready candidates for this emerging aerospace industry,” said Dr. Floyd.
The program will offer a series of free introductory workshops to help participants prepare for the FAA’s Part 107 Certification, which is required for anyone operating drones in a commercial setting. The first workshop is scheduled for April 7, 2025. Interested individuals can find more information and register at www.UASBootcamp.com.
This partnership between USI and Dallas College represents a significant step in preparing the next generation of drone professionals. By offering certifications that align with industry standards and FAA regulations, the program will ensure that graduates are well-equipped to meet the increasing demand for skilled drone operators.
For more information about Dallas College, visit www.DallasCollege.edu. To learn more about USI and its training programs, visit www.FlyUSI.org.
Want DRONELIFE news delivered to your inbox every weekday? Sign up here.
Read more:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.
