Comprehensive 8-Week UAS Bootcamp Offers Industry Certifications and Career-Ready Skills
Conway, SC, April 15, 2025 – Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is thrilled to announce the launch of a new Drone Pilot Training course in partnership with the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), the industry leader in workforce ready unmanned aviation training. This cutting-edge 8-week UAS Bootcamp program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in drone operations, safety, regulations, and hands-on flight training—culminating in multiple nationally recognized certifications.
Open to beginners and career changers, the course is ideal for hobbyists looking to turn their passion into a profession or currently employed individuals desiring a new, in-demand skillset in the fast-growing drone industry. This course also represents an incredible professional development opportunity for teachers in CTE and STEM environments. Drones, or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), are transforming industries such as agriculture, construction, public safety, transportation, insurance, filmmaking, energy, and more—performing critical tasks like surveying, spraying, filming, inspection, and delivery.
“As drone technology rapidly evolves and becomes integral to numerous sectors, HGTC is committed to staying ahead of the curve,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, HGTC President. “Through this exciting partnership with USI, we’re opening new doors for students to pursue high-demand, high-wage careers with the skills and certifications employers value most. It’s an extraordinary opportunity, especially with scholarship funding available through SCWINS.”
The accelerated UAS Bootcamp includes live virtual classes, on-site flight training, and a curriculum that spans aeronautics, mission planning, primary flight operations, and UAS technology. Participants will earn the following credentials:
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- USI Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) System Operation Ground Certification
- USI Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) System Operation Flight Certification
- USI Safety Level 1 (Fundamentals of UAS) Certification
Josh Olds, President and CEO of USI, praised the partnership, stating, “USI applauds the leadership and foresight of Horry-Georgetown Technical College in preparing individuals for high-skill, high-wage careers in emerging aviation technology. Our partnership with HGTC is a significant step in advancing workforce development in the UAS industry. By combining USI’s industry-leading training with HGTC’s commitment to career-focused education, we are equipping students with the skills and certifications needed to excel in the fast-growing field of drones. This collaboration is a game-changer, ensuring students receive specialized training to meet industry needs and drive economic growth. As drones represent the leading edge of a rapidly changing aerospace industry, participants in this program also gain valuable knowledge related to sustainable alternative fuels, automation, and robotics, adding to their employable skillsets."
This course is open to individuals 18 years or older, and full scholarships are available for eligible students through the SCWINS program, making this an accessible path to a career in unmanned aviation systems. For more information about the Drone Program, please contact the Workforce Development office at wdinfo@hgtc.edu or call 843-477-2020.
For more information about applying, enrolling, and registering at HGTC, call 843-347-3186 or visit www.hgtc.edu.
###
About HGTC
HGTC offers college transfer and skilled associate degree programs in more than 70 fields of study, and many with online class options. Nearly all programs feature internships that lead to jobs. Ninety-five percent (95%) of students either transfer to earn advanced degrees or start careers in their respective fields of study. Horry-Georgetown Technical College prohibits discrimination against students and employees. Please direct discrimination and accessibility issues to the Office of Student Affairs at (843) 349-5228.
For additional information about HGTC, call (843) 347-3186.
www.hgtc.edu | Twitter: gohgtc | Facebook: www.facebook.com/gohgtc
Media Contact:
Nicole Hyman, MS
Public Relations Director
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
843-349-7820, 843-902-3838
nicole.hyman@hgtc.edu
About USI
The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) is the industry’s most widely recognized leader in flight safety solutions for individuals, academia and organizations focused on integrating and operating and maintaining UAS for civil or commercial purposes. USI provides UAS flight safety training and certification to operational standards based on the adoption and modification of time-honored aviation safety practices.
With more than 300 instructors and over 20,000 USI Certifications awarded around the world, USI works with large commercial enterprises and nearly 500 schools in all 50 states. USI is the global leader in commercial and academic UAS training and certification, delivering the most highly regarded training program of its kind. USI offers Primary, Advanced and Complex training and certification programs that are applicable to VLOS, BVLOS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations. USI’s training and certification programs are endorsed by major aviation insurance providers and implemented nationwide as a workforce pathway program from secondary or post-secondary to the career field to align skillsets to industry pay scales. Discover more at www.FlyUSI.org .
Media Contact:
Stephanie Holland
Director of Marketing & Communications
(407) 499.2065
Stephanie.Holland@FlyUSI.org
