Unmanned Safety Institute Launches First UAS Workforce Development Program In Michigan

Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District and Northwestern Michigan College create high school/college partnership within USI program

The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), a subsidiary of ARGUS International, Inc. and the leading provider of educational curriculum and industry certifications to students interested in a career as professional remote pilots, announced their first high school/college pathway partnership in Michigan between Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District (Char-Em ISD).

NMC has provided an articulation agreement for the successful completion of Unmanned Safety Institute’s Small Unmanned Aircraft System Safety Certification and Char-Em ISD has adopted USI’s Small UAS Safety Certification™ program. High school students that participate in the program through Char-Em ISD and obtain the industry certification can continue to NMC’s UAS degree program with articulated credit. USI’s program includes a complete turnkey curriculum package with a 400-page academic textbook, instructor aids and course content packaged in USI’s digital Learning Management System.

In June, Northwestern Michigan College signed an articulation agreement, awarding three college credits to any student who completes the Small UAS Safety Certification™ program.

“NMC is very excited for our partners as they launch this new program. Our articulation with USI and the Char-Em ISD is a testament to their quality of education and their focus on training professional pilots to meet rapidly growing demands,” said Alex Bloye, Aviation Division Director of Northwestern Michigan College. “The unmanned systems industry is in its infancy, and new opportunities are emerging every day.  With Char-Em and USI, NMC is proud to be at the forefront, preparing area students for, what are sure to be, very rewarding careers.”

“We are thrilled about this partnership and believe it will open doors for our students to be better prepared for the many careers in Unmanned Aircraft Systems or drones,” said Jim Rummer, Director of Career and Technical Education for the ISD. “It’s exciting to have this partnership in place and it will be very beneficial for students throughout our region of Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim counties,” he added.

“USI commends Char-Em ISD for their forward thinking and commitment to prepare students to enter a STEM career field,” said Josh Olds, Vice President of Operations at USI. “Relevant, applicable, and practical STEM education is vital to preparing a knowledgeable, skilled and professional workforce. USI is committed to providing industry relevant content and establishing the knowledge standard for professional and safety focused remote pilots. We are honored to welcome Northwestern Michigan College and Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District into our network of educational partners.”

About USI:

The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) is the industry’s most widely recognized leader in flight safety solutions for individuals, enterprises, and organizations focused on integrating and operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for civil or commercial purposes. The Unmanned Safety Institute, widely recognized as “best-in-class” provides UAS flight safety training and certification to operational standards based on the adoption and modification of time-honored aviation safety practices.

USI is a portfolio company of ARGUS International, Inc., and is headquartered in Orlando, FL with safety assurance offices in Denver, CO. Founded in 1995, ARGUS International is headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, and actively engaged with business activities in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, South America and the Middle East and Africa.

To learn more about USI, please visit www.UnmannedSafetyInstitute.org or call 1-877-535-SAFE (7233).