Thanks to a partnership with ABJ Drones, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) in West Windsor Township, New Jersey is introducing a new program to provide certification for UAS pilots.

ABJ, which is a provider of UAS and commercial UAS services, will provide the instructors for the program, as well as the most up to date, hands-on UAS technology.

ABJ will also include MCCC students in its network of commercial UAS pilots, with opportunities for employment after they complete the UAS curriculum.

“We have seen the future of aviation, and drone-based technology will play an integral part in how business and industry approaches the application of aircraft for a variety of commercial and scientific needs,” says MCCC’s president Dr. Jianping Wang.

“Through our partnership with ABJ, Mercer County Community College students will experience, hands-on, the type of technologies that will enable them to qualify for lucrative careers in this burgeoning new industry.”

The first class in the program, UAS 101, Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, will begin during MCCC’s seven-week session on Oct. 24.

The course, which will include a test for FAA remote pilot certification, will provide an overview of UAS, “emphasizing the commercial and military history, growth, and current and future applications.”

After completing the 14-18 credit hour curriculum, students will receive a certificate of achievement in Aviation Technology.