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HGTC Introduces UAS Maintenance Technician Program to Maintain Safety and Uptime in Coastal Operations
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) today announced a new UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Maintenance Technician workforce development program designed to meet the growing need for skilled drone technicians across the Grand Strand. As drone use expands in coastal industries, such as utilities, construction, surveying, public safety, tourism media, and campus operations, local employers are looking for trained professionals who can keep equipment safe, reliable, and mission ready.
National aviation forecasts from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) show steady growth in the number of small commercial drones, along with increasing expectations for pilots to manage several aircraft at once. This trend makes routine inspections, careful documentation, and awareness of coastal environmental challenges more important than ever.
“Our coastal economy depends on uptime, whether that’s beach monitoring, rooftop inspections, utility line checks, or event coverage,” said Brandon Haselden, Assistant Vice President/Dean at HGTC. “This fast paced, non-credit certification program gives students the hands-on skills they need to diagnose problems, perform preventative maintenance, and keep aircraft operating safely in coastal conditions. Training aligns with recognized industry standards to ensure graduates are ready for real-world work.”
The new program covers core topics such as drone components and flight dynamics, electrical systems, airworthiness inspections, troubleshooting procedures, and proper documentation for maintenance and repairs. Students learn how to identify issues early, reduce equipment downtime, and follow the practices that today’s operators expect as more advanced drone operations continue to grow.
Training is delivered by Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on lab work using modern drone platforms and tools. Graduates earn multiple industry-recognized credentials, including the UAS Maintenance Technician Designation (Safety Level 1 and Level 2 Certifications) from USI. Job placement support and networking opportunities are also available for participants.
Enrollment is now open for upcoming cohorts, with the first session beginning February 23, 2026. The program qualifies for the South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship, and seating is limited.
To learn more or apply, visit: https://www.hgtc.edu/jobtraining/drone-training.html.