Cultivating Talent & Skills: Key To Success In Drone Companies

Drones are revolutionising industries ranging from agriculture to defense, offering unprecedented levels of efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. However, realising this vast potential requires drone companies to address significant challenge including, technical intricacies, intense market competition and regulatory complexities.

The Humans of the Drone Industry 

In the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace, HR professionals navigate an environment characterised by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). Challenges in finding the right talent are compounded by the newness of the drone industry, which demands niche skills in mechanical engineering, electronics and software development. Despite its potential for growth, the industry's infancy dissuades domain experts from joining. Like any other sector, drone industry growth relies on the pillars like People, Process, Product, and Policy. The global commercial drone market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 13.9 per cent from 2023 to 2030, with the Indian drone sector expected to reach $10 billion by 2026. However, the sector faces a skill crunch, necessitating swift and effective action through capacity, capability, and culture building. Skills such as troubleshooting, technical know-how, and attention to system engineering of aerial systems, are essential to nurture a proficient and adaptable workforce capable of meeting industry demands. Strong employer branding is crucial to attract top talent, with companies needing to establish a significant presence and earn certifications to build trust among potential candidates. Government support, such as Drone rules and Production Linked Incentive schemes, aids in industry development. However, challenges remain in certification, particularly in UAV logistics and mobility. Addressing these hurdles is crucial for realizing the full potential of industry initiatives.

Emerging Job Roles

Drones, besides being technological devices, also symbolise human ingenuity and expertise. In the competitive and dynamic drone sector, human involvement is crucial for success. It's the people behind the scenes who drive innovation and ensure quality in the design process, overcome technical and operational challenges during production, and ultimately provide value and satisfaction to customers and stakeholders. Additionally, the human element includes the essential interaction and collaboration between individuals and drones, as well as the human factors affecting the safety and performance of drone operations. Therefore, for drone companies to prosper, it's vital to invest in nurturing the right talents, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, and actively addressing the human aspects of the industry.

The Role of Education and Training

Education and training are crucial for cultivating the necessary skills and talents in the emerging drone industry. Universities and vocational schools should offer specialised programmes tailored to the technical demands of the drone sector, encompassing skills such as drone design, operation, maintenance, and data analysis. Collaboration between companies and educational institutions can ensure that internships/ apprenticeships provide students with hands-on experience and practical skills aligned with industry needs.

Moreover, initiatives such as India's Skill Development Programme can play a significant role in preparing the workforce for the drone industry. This programme focuses on enhancing vocational skills and provides training in areas such as electronics, engineering, and aviation technology, all of which are pertinent to the drone sector. By incorporating drone technology into the curriculum of various educational institutions participating in this programme, the government can ensure that upcoming generations possess the requisite skills to excel in the burgeoning drone industry.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

Attracting and retaining the right talent is a challenge for any industry, and the drone industry is no exception. Companies need to offer competitive salaries and benefits, of course, but they also need to provide opportunities for growth and development. In addition, fostering a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and diversity is essential. Such a culture not only attracts talented individuals but also encourages them to stay and grow with the company. Adopting proactive strategies to nurture talent is pivotal for the drone industry's growth. These initiatives frequently focus on giving internships to college students where they are offered tailored in-house training programs which grooms them into future professionals. Software engineering students have emerged as the ideal candidates when it comes to talent retention in the drone industry. However, establishing an inclusive work environment is paramount for talent retention, involving measures such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, and fair compensation structures. Additionally, employee referral programmes play a vital role in strengthening team cohesion and fostering a culture of trust and loyalty among colleagues.

The Role of Government

The Indian government plays a crucial role in steering the course of the drone industry by crafting strategic policies and regulations that promote innovation while safeguarding safety and privacy. Through a proactive approach and supportive policies, it is propelling the drone industry forward, unlocking its vast potential for economic development and technological advancement. The implementation of the Drone Rules, 2021, has acted as a catalyst for industry growth, with anticipated turnover figures ranging from Rs 12,000 crore to Rs 15,000 crore by 2026, creating employment opportunities for approximately one lakh individuals within the next five years. Last year, the Ministry of Civil Aviation notified the Drone (Amendment) Rules 2023, aiming to liberalize and promote drone operations nationwide, with a vision to establish India as a global drone hub by 2030. Additionally, initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme provide impetus for sectoral development, fostering an ecosystem conducive to talent and skills development within this dynamic industry.

The drone industry stands as one of India’s most thriving sectors today, offering vast opportunities for skill development and employment generation. With the government's support and various initiatives, the industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years. This advancement promises to be a game-changer for the entire nation, revolutionising the way India harnesses technology for progress and innovation.