Drone Manufacturing Workers

High School

A high school diploma and on-the-job training may be sufficient for some positions, such as assemblers and fabricators, and welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers. A good foundation for most drone manufacturing jobs includes classes in mathematics, science, computer science, English, and communications. Take machine shop classes if you are interested in working with the parts and components of drones; this will give you good exposure to working with machines and hand tools. If your school offers electrical or electronics shop classes, take these as well.

Postsecondary Education

A high school diploma coupled with technical and on-the-job training is required for jobs such as drone assemblers and fabricators and other positions that involve using equipment and machines. Some production workers receive training via apprenticeships. Production managers and other types of managers and supervisors must have a bachelor's degree and several years of prior work experience in manufacturing companies. For sales and purchasing positions, and customer service representative jobs, an associate's or bachelor's degree coupled with one to two years of prior experience is beneficial.

A bachelor's degree is usually required for industrial production manager positions and other first-line supervisor and administrative roles. Some production managers have a master's degree in business management or industrial engineering. Quality control managers may have an associate's or bachelor's degree in quality control management or related fields. Useful college classes include business, accounting, mathematics, economics, science, engineering, computers, English, and communications.

Certification

Colleges and universities, online learning platforms, and professional associations offer certificate programs in avionics, electronics, production management, artificial intelligence and other types of emerging technology, and other fields. These programs typically last six months to a year. Such programs are a good way to build your skills without enrolling in a degree program.

The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) offers certificate programs in metal fabrication fundamentals, leadership development, workplace safety, and other fields. Visit https://www.fmamfg.org/training/certificates for more information. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers an uncrewed systems technology certificate program. Visit https://erau.edu/degrees/certificate/uncrewed-systems-technology to learn more about the program.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities are provided by professional associations (such as the American Welding Society and the FMA), colleges and universities, and online learning platforms. Contact these organizations for more information.