Wounded Warrior Project Brings Innovative Career Training Opportunities to San Diego Veterans
Q & A with Warriors to Work
Who was flying drones in San Diego last month?
Fifteen veterans from Southern California and Arizona were training to become commercial drone pilots as part of a Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) career counseling program called Warriors to Work®. The training started in June with online instruction and wrapped up in August with hands-on coaching. As part of the program, the warriors tested for and obtained their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 certification to become licensed commercial drone pilots. Moving forward, the warriors will work with WWP career counselors to find opportunities in this exciting field.
This group of warriors is the second cohort to complete the drone pilot training; the first was on the East Coast of the United States. WWP plans to offer similar opportunities to warriors in other parts of the country.
How much did this training cost?
All WWP programs and services are free for warriors registered with the nonprofit. Veterans and service members who sustained a visible or invisible injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible for WWP’s veteran programs and services.
How can flying a drone become a career?
WWP connects warriors to innovative employment opportunities. According to the FAA, more than 240,000 remote drone pilots are now certified by the government agency. That number is expected to increase as drones become more valuable to the operations and efficiency of several industries.
Applications for commercial drone pilots include defense, emergency medical services, telecommunications, real estate, construction, oil and gas, events and entertainment, and sanitation, among others. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates that by 2025 there will be more than 100,000 new drone pilot jobs.
WWP is following these employment trends to help veterans find their next missions in life.
What is Warriors to Work?
Warriors to Work is WWP’s career counseling program that helps post-9/11 wounded veterans and their families find their next careers in civilian life. WWP career counselors help warriors and their families translate military experience into a civilian resume; provide interview coaching and mock interviews; facilitate networking opportunities; and offer other professional services, including support with certifications. In 2020, Warriors to Work helped place nearly 2,000 wounded veterans and family members in new careers, with combined first-year salaries totaling almost $94 million.
How can I learn more?
If you haven’t already registered with WWP, call the nonprofit’s Resource Center at 888-997-2586 or visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org. After your registration is complete, let WWP know you are interested in veteran employment services. You can also learn more about Warriors to Work on WWP’s website.
Contact: Jon Blauvelt — Public Relations, jblauvelt@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.426.9756
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.