SBS Foundation (CIO)

Looking for a new career?

We train and mentor people into qualified, paid careers in the drone industry, from first workshop to work placement.

An SBS Foundation instructor teaching a trainee pilot to fly a drone outdoors
Supported by UnLtd, the foundation for social entrepreneurs The National Lottery
27.5pts

The gap between the UK employment rate for disabled and non-disabled people.

£42bn

What drones are projected to add to the UK economy by 2030.

628k

New jobs the drone economy is expected to create. We train the people usually left out of them.

See our theory of change

An SBS Foundation drone pilot flying from a wheelchair in a field

A pathway, not a promise

The career development programme qualifies you as a drone pilot and immerses you in a community of people with shared experiences, interests and aspirations. Six stages take you from your first workshop to qualified, paid work.

See how the programme works

Why join the programme?

Innovation

Be part of a rapidly growing field, shaping the future of industry.

Learn

Build skills that contribute to sustainable projects and give you the tools to make a positive difference.

Support

Guidance, resources and personalised advice at every step, from your mentor and the wider team.

Community

A network of people who have faced similar life challenges and are rebuilding their careers together.

A drone flying an inspection over a large bridge

Technology hubs, across the UK

Our next step: accessible one-stop centres where anyone can use high-end computers, professional software, drones and AI tools, and follow guided or self-paced training, without the price tag that keeps these careers out of reach.

The hubs vision

A pilot flying a survey drone on a construction site

Ready to start?

Join the programme, or back the pathway as a partner or donor.

Sign up Partner with us