Elevating Regional Skills: Insights from the Monterey Bay Emerging Technology Workforce Skills Demand Study

The Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative and CITRIS Center for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) at UC Santa Cruz recently published the Monterey Bay Emerging Technology Workforce Skills Demand Study. This study provides a current analysis of workforce needs in drones, automation, and robotics across sectors like agriculture, infrastructure inspection, construction, and public safety in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties.

Insights into Regional Skills Gaps: The study identifies current and projected demands for specialized drone and automation skills, based on in-depth interviews with local industry leaders. By addressing identified skills gaps through targeted training, the tri-county area could emerge as a leader in drone technology. The study’s focus on the next 1-5 years explores workforce needs in sectors vital to Monterey Bay’s economy—such as agriculture, construction, aviation, public safety, and marine science—with unique and evolving skill demands.

Building Quality Jobs and Local Economic Resilience: DART and CITRIS CIDER aim to foster job growth that supports all residents while strengthening local economic resilience. By analyzing skill gaps and available resources, the study builds a foundation for initiatives that support quality jobs. The findings offer a roadmap to close skill gaps and enhance training for future workforce needs, leveraging local talents and community leadership.

Access the Full Study:
The final report, with feasibility assessments and actionable recommendations, is now publicly available, detailing programs and partnerships that can prepare the region’s workforce for growing demands in drone technology. Explore the complete findings HERE.