SPH Engineering and Vets to Drones Collaborate to Enhance Career Opportunities for Veterans
New Training Initiative Focuses on Advanced Flight Planning Skills for Surveying, Mapping, and Inspection Work
The commercial drone industry is experiencing a growing demand for skilled operators capable of managing complex missions. A new partnership between SPH Engineering and Vets to Drones aims to assist military veterans in meeting this need.
SPH Engineering has announced a strategic collaboration with Vets to Drones, a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans transition into careers within the drone industry. This program will provide veterans with training on UgCS flight planning software, which is widely utilized for professional surveying, mapping, and inspection operations.
The partnership emphasizes the development of skills that extend beyond basic drone piloting. While many veterans already possess FAA drone certifications, commercial missions in sectors such as mining, energy, and infrastructure often require advanced knowledge in automated flight planning, data collection, and mission management.
Moving Beyond Entry-Level Drone Skills
As the commercial drone market evolves, employers are increasingly seeking operators with specialized technical expertise. Advanced surveying and inspection projects frequently depend on software tools that facilitate precise flight planning and automated data capture.
Under the new agreement, members of Vets to Drones will have access to UgCS Basics training. This course instructs users on how to plan and execute professional drone missions utilizing SPH Engineering’s software platform.
“A veteran with an FAA certificate knows how to fly safely, but a veteran who masters UgCS possesses the engineering capability to execute complex, high-value missions that most operators cannot,” stated Alexey Smirnov, Chief Operating Officer at SPH Engineering. “We are honored to welcome these dedicated individuals into our global professional community. Equipping them with industry-standard flight planning technology and continuous mentorship goes beyond facilitating a transition to civilian life. It helps them build lucrative, long-term careers as elite solution architects in the field.”
Veterans who complete the certification program will also receive a discount on core UgCS licenses, aimed at reducing barriers for those interested in starting their own drone service businesses. Participants will additionally gain access to further training resources through SPH Engineering’s SPH Academy and webinar programs.
Addressing Industry Workforce Needs
The drone industry has long recognized workforce development as a significant challenge. While many training programs focus on assisting new pilots in obtaining FAA certification, employers often require additional skills related to mission planning, data collection, and specialized industry workflows.
Organizations like Vets to Drones have been working to bridge this gap by connecting military experience with civilian drone careers. The nonprofit offers training resources, industry connections, and employment support for veterans entering the UAS sector, serving thousands of members across the United States.
“Our mission is to ensure our Nation’s Veterans are completely ready to get hired and excel in using this technology,” said Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Vets to Drones. “Integrating SPH Engineering’s technical training into our curriculum means our members are fluent in the exact technologies that top-tier employers demand.”
This initiative reflects a broader trend within the drone industry toward specialized training programs linked to specific technologies and operational roles. As drone applications expand across infrastructure, energy, construction, and resource management, the demand for operators capable of managing complex workflows continues to rise.
For veterans entering the field, this partnership offers a pathway into higher-skill roles. For the industry, it represents an ongoing effort to cultivate a workforce equipped to support increasingly advanced commercial drone operations.