Program Type(s)
Certificate of Achievement 12-17 Semester (or 17-27 Quarter) Units
Certificate of Achievement 18+ Semester (27+ Quarter) Units
Associate of Science Degree
Program Goals
Drones, known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are simply aircrafts without a human pilot. Their flight can be controlled either by a pilot on the ground who operates the aircraft remotely or autonomously by an onboard computer or robot. According to a 2013 report by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (a group representing 7,500 individual members and 600 corporations), FAA approval of commercial drones could lead to the creation of 70,000 new U.S. jobs within the next three years, which is an attainment of an economic impact valued at $82 billion by 2025 and the creation of 100,000 new U.S. jobs by 2025. (http://www.auvsi.org/blogs/auvsi-membership/2015/11/23/energyandcommerce)
The commercial and military impact UAV’s will have in the coming years is very significant. Thus, it is almost a certainty that the need for workers with the ability to build, pilot and monitor these drones is going to be significant. Namely, the U.S. budget for drone warfare has increased from $667 million in 2002 to more than $3.9 billion, according to the Congressional Research Service. Additionally, the number of drones in military service has increased from 167 to nearly 7,500 (AUVSI, http://www.auvsi.org/).
Many commercial vehicles are now being equipped with robotic mechanisms that help monitor and control a range of components. From communication to stopping the vehicle, technology has evolved enough to bring unmanned vehicles to the level of safe, efficient and effective transportation of goods and products. It is this innovative blend of technology and transportation that will open the door for many creative strategies. From a practical perspective, the use of unmanned vehicles can save time, effort, and energy simply by maximizing the use of human beings that traditionally exert manual efforts for ground-level tasks.
The goal of this program is develop a skilled talent pipeline for the following occupations:
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians - 493011
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians - 173021
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers - 512011
Avionics Technicians - 492091
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians - 173023
Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other - 173029
Surveying and Mapping Technicians - 173031
Environmental Engineering Technician - 173025
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians – 173021