Students at Fullerton College are training for the future of aviation — drones.
The Hornet Drone Apprenticeship at Fullerton College, the first of its kind in California, teaches 25 students annually in autonomous systems development, preparing them for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 certificate test and OSHA certification.
It’s already paying dividends for Southern California Edison (SCE), which uses drones for wildfire mitigation and infrastructure inspection.
SCE has hired graduates from the apprenticeship program as drone pilots, integrating them into critical roles. SCE contractors, such as C2 Group, have also hired graduates from the drone apprenticeship program, integrating them into critical roles within the company.
“Drones are essential for inspecting electrical infrastructure in high-risk areas,” SCE spokesman Reggie Kumar told the Business Journal. “They help SCE crews capture high-quality images that are difficult to obtain from the ground.”
The drone program was launched in 2022 with a $575,000 grant from the State of California, Edison International and the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), OC’s second largest nonprofit (see page 18.) Such classes are part of an effort to expand the capabilities of Orange County’s workforce beyond traditional skills.
The OCCF has developed its Workforce Development Initiative, which aims to help local businesses access the talent necessary for growth, while simultaneously helping individuals improve their economic prospects.
“The genesis of the idea came through our ongoing review and concern for the workforce indicators reports that we kept seeing over multiple years,” said Cathleen Otero, the foundation’s chief operating officer. “The number of high-skilled middle jobs that were going unfilled… it was clear something needed to be done.”
Strategic Collaboration in Workforce Development
The Workforce Development Initiative targets graduating high school seniors, disconnected youth and underemployed adults by providing training and resources for workforce re-entry or career advancement.
Since its launch in 2019, the Workforce Development Initiative has distributed $2.19 million through 22 grants, supporting 12 projects.
“A middle-skills job in a high-earning potential range could allow someone to live and thrive in our region, particularly given the affordability issues we face here in Orange County,” Otero said.
“We wanted to create an opportunity where we’re investing in young talent so that they can stay where they live, where they work and thrive long-term here in Orange County.”
A prime example is the Bus Operator Academy, a collaboration with Saddleback College and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). The program was developed to address the critical shortage of qualified bus operators, aggravated by high retirement rates and retention challenges. OCCF provided a $200,000 grant to fund the academy and support OCTA’s driver pipeline.
Job growth in this sector is projected to be about 10% between 2022 and 2032, slightly below the national growth rate of 11%. The average salary for targeted occupations is $28.57 per hour, which equates to about $57,000 annual salary.
The academy provides participants with essential technical training and soft skills required for public transit operations, including classroom instruction, interview preparation and hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of their roles.
Classes are taught by OCTA bus operators who continued to work with OCTA while bringing their firsthand knowledge and recent regulations into the classroom.
“The trainers we hired for the program had both experience in driving and teaching,” said Israel Dominguez, director of economic and workforce development at Saddleback College.
“They were able to provide students with valuable insights from their own successful careers and ensure the training was relevant and up to date.”
Dominguez added that Santa Ana College has since replicated the program and began training students earlier this year.
The Workforce Development Initiative is focused on ensuring the sustainability of programs beyond their initial grant periods. For example, the Bus Operator Academy has transitioned from a fee-based, non-credit program to a non-credit Career Development College Prep (CDCP) academic program.
Hard to Fill the Skills Gap
Participants say the Workforce Development Initiative represents a long-term commitment to improving workforce readiness in Orange County.
“The future of workforce development lies in bridging the gap between education and employment,” said Wallace Walrod, founder and managing partner of Tech Coast Consulting Group LLC and chief economic advisor of Orange County Business Council.
He noted that the state government is funneling “a lot of money” to education.
“There was this thing called the skills gap, meaning they have a lot of job postings, job openings and, oftentimes, it’s very hard to fill them, especially in certain areas.
“By focusing on middle-skill jobs and leveraging nimble community colleges, we’re addressing critical workforce shortages in healthcare, manufacturing and IT, paving the way for a more dynamic and resilient economy.”
Zoot Velasco from 4-M Pact Consulting highlights the growing potential of drone technology.
“The non-military drone industry is forecasted to grow 51% over the next five years, with applications expanding into fields like infrastructure inspection, agriculture and public safety,” he said.
SCE said its goal is to keep working with Fullerton College to develop lasting programs that produce a steady stream of skilled talent that can lead to employment opportunities for in the energy sector and other industries that use drone technology.
CHOC Workplace Mentoring Program: Orange County’s Future Healthcare Leaders
The Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) has been making significant strides with its Workplace Mentoring Program, designed to empower young people, particularly those from underserved communities, by providing them with real-world exposure to careers in healthcare and related fields.
This initiative is part of CHOC’s broader involvement with local workforce initiatives and partnerships with various organizations, such as the Orange County Business Council and the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF).
The program primarily targets high school juniors and seniors, offering them an opportunity to explore careers in healthcare administration, information technology and even medical fields like nursing and physical therapy. What makes this program unique is its proactive approach to engaging students early on, allowing them to envision a future in industries they might not have considered accessible before.
“By mentoring students from the 11th grade onward, we ensure they have a clear path and support system as they transition into community colleges or state colleges. This initiative isn’t just about education; it’s about empowerment and long-term community impact,” said Mark Steinman, chief human resources officer and COO of CHOC.
Through partnerships with local schools and organizations like Girls Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters, CHOC connects students with mentors who guide them through their final years of high school.
These mentors, who are CHOC employees, provide students with insights into the healthcare industry, assist with college applications and offer support as students navigate their academic and career choices.
“We’re not just preparing students for today’s jobs; we’re equipping them with the skills and experiences needed for the roles that will be essential 10, 15 years from now,” said Steinman. “This initiative is about building a talent pipeline that will keep Orange County thriving.”
