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Workforce Readiness Through Drone Technology: Preparing Youth for Careers in a Growing Industry

4-H and Youth Programming

Wendy Mussoline
UF/IFAS Agriculture Extension Agent II
Putnam County Extension Office
East Palatka

Abstract

As industries such as agriculture, construction, emergency response, wildfire monitoring, and logistics increasingly integrate drone technology, there is a critical need for licensed drone pilots. Equipping young learners with foundational drone skills prepares them for future career opportunities and fosters innovation in agriculture and beyond. Two separate five-day summer camps were offered to 4-H youth (ages 16 to 18) in a multi-County effort to equip students to become licensed drone operators for commercial hire.  Participants engaged in a structured curriculum combining classroom instruction taught by a conglomerate of UF/IFAS Extension Agents and hands-on drone flying exercises taught by local drone consultants.    Educational objectives were to:

  1. Provide hands-on experience with drone flight and maneuvering techniques
  2. Educate participants on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and ethical considerations in drone piloting
  3. Prepare youth to take and pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 test required to receive their drone license for commercial hire
  4. Demonstrate real-world applications of drones across various industries
  5. Inspire youth to explore STEM careers by engaging in interactive learning experiences

Teaching methods included group engagement activities, lectures, drone flying exercises, exam preparation activities, and on-line registration procedures.  Interactive activities, including obstacle course challenges, structural evaluations, and integrated mapping programs, allowed participants to apply their knowledge in practical operations. Participants were required to register for the Part 107 FAA drone pilot exam and Extension Agents provided transportation to the certified testing facilities on the final day of the camp. 

Participants demonstrated increased confidence in drone handling, with 100% (n=13) successfully completing basic flight maneuvers by the end of the program. For both camps combined, 92% of participants passed their exams and received their drone licenses, positioning them for future employment opportunities. In post-evaluation surveys, 31% of licensees had earned at least $100/hour for commercial drone hire within six months of obtaining their certification, and 77% of participants had purchased and registered their own drones with the FAA. These hands-on learning experiences ensure a well-prepared generation of drone operators and equip our youth for a relevant future in agribusiness.

Authors: Wendy Mussoline, Joseph Stacy Strickland, Tim Wilson, Brittany Scharf, Matt Smith, Crystal McCazzio, Heather Pogue
  1. Wendy Mussoline CED & Agriculture Extension Agent III, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32131
  2. Joseph Stacy Strickland Agriculture Agent IV, UF/IFAS, Florida, 34744
  3. Tim Wilson CED & Extension Agent IV, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32092
  4. Brittany Scharf CED & Sea Grant Extension Agent III, UF/IFAS, Florida, 34604
  5. Matt Smith Agriculture Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32778
  6. Crystal McCazzio 4-H Extension Agent III, UF/IFAS, Florida, 34470
  7. Heather Pogue 4-H Agent I, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32131