Fullerton College Launches Paid Apprenticeship with Hornet Program

Fullerton College of Fullerton, California has registered the Hornet Drone Piloting Apprentice Program with the US Department of Labor and the California Department of Apprenticeship Standards, opening the way for paid training in the fast-moving world of UAV piloting.

The move comes amid state efforts to expand the number of apprenticeships throughout California, particularly those in high-demand, robust industries like uncrewed aviation. The Apprenticeship will incorporate an in-class curriculum, with 11 units at Fullerton College to obtain certifications with the FAA and OSHA. Once complete, a partnership with the Friends of Fullerton College Foundation and Hope Builders Career Connections will pair students with employers to complete 600 hours of paid on-the-job training. The entire program, developed through the California Apprenticeship Initiative, can be completed within a year in order to move new journeymen into the workforce.

"This program provides a definable opportunity to help further develop the workforce of tomorrow," said Jay Seidel, Fullerton College professor and director of the Fullerton Drone Lab. "According to a recent study published in Research and Markets, the demand for drone pilots is expected to grow by 51% over the next five years."

"We have set the program up so a student with need can walk on campus and go from start to finish without having to pay a dime for the program," said Zoot Velasco, Executive Director of the Friends of Fullerton College Foundation. "They just need to invest their sweat equity. We see this as a potential generational change for families."

FMI: www.fullcoll.edu