Grant Brewer, a former high school drone instructor who now works at DroneUp, joins the STEM Heroes podcast to discuss the exciting world of drone delivery and drone careers. He shares his experience teaching one of the first high school drone programs in Arkansas, covering topics like the hands-on curriculum, student projects, and preparing students for FAA drone certification.
Grant then dives into his current role at DroneUp, a leading drone delivery company partnered with major retailers like Walmart. He explains how DroneUp operates, with drones delivering packages in under 30 minutes, and discusses their new "drone ecosystem" involving destination boxes and autonomous operations.
The conversation explores the future of drone jobs, from maintenance technicians to software engineers mapping obstacles and airspace. Grant provides insights into the skills needed, like coding, GIS, and multitasking for monitoring multiple drones. He also shares advice for educators considering starting a drone program at their school.
Whether you're a student eager to pursue a drone career, an educator looking to implement drones, or simply fascinated by this cutting-edge technology, this episode offers a compelling look at the rise of drone delivery and the opportunities within the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry. Check it out for an insightful discussion blending Grant's unique perspectives from both the classroom and the forefront of commercial drone operations.