Partnerships
College Dials Up New Radio Technician Program
Accelerated Training Will Meet Broadcast Industry Demand
Photo Gallery
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Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls speaks at the ceremony announcing the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy to train radio engineers at the college. -
North Carolina Association of Broadcasters President Mark Mendenhall speaks at the ceremony announcing the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy to train radio engineers at the college. -
Wake Tech and North Carolina Association of Broadcasters officials pose for a photo after announcing the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy to train radio engineers at the college. -
Wake Tech and North Carolina Association of Broadcasters officials pose for a photo after announcing the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy to train radio engineers at the college. -
Wake Tech and North Carolina Association of Broadcasters officials announce the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy to train radio engineers at the college. -
Wake Tech and North Carolina Association of Broadcasters officials announce the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy to train radio engineers at the college. -
Wake Tech and North Carolina Association of Broadcasters officials pose for photos after announcing the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy to train radio engineers at the college. -
Al Brewer, dean of Engineering, Technologies & Skilled Trades at Wake Tech, speaks with officials after the ceremony announcing the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy to train radio engineers at the college. -
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls, left, with Don Curtis of Curtis Media Group during the ceremony announcing the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy to train radio engineers at the college.
RALEIGH, N.C. (August 7, 2025) – Wake Tech students have an exciting new opportunity to turn up the volume on their careers!
The college is partnering with the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) to launch a short-term training program to address a growing shortage of broadcast technicians in the radio industry.
The 10-week NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy will provide students with a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training to arm them with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required to excel in the broadcasting industry.
The announcement was made Thursday at the college's Beltline Education Center, where students will gain expertise in AM, FM and HD radio transmission systems, including transmitters, antennas, transmission lines, remote control systems and program delivery systems.
"The NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy is an example of how Wake Tech partners with industry leaders to develop training that meets workforce needs," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls.
Students who complete the program will emerge equipped to diagnose and repair both traditional and cutting-edge radio transmission systems. They'll also be prepared to sit for the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Broadcast Technologist exam and will be connected to industry professionals for job recruiting opportunities.
NCAB will cover the cost of tuition, fees and books. Additional funds will be available to assist with living expenses, transportation and other necessities, provided the student attends all classes and meets workload and grade requirements.
According to the SBE and U.S. Department of Labor, the radio industry faces a growing shortage of broadcast engineers as retirements are outpacing new talent entering the field. The profession requires a unique skill set, and the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy was created to make the specialized training more accessible to students in the Triangle region and boost the skilled labor supply.
"NCAB is excited to be partnering with Wake Tech in launching this academy to train and give the next generation of broadcast engineers the skills they need to take our industry to the next level," said Mark Mendenhall, president of NCAB. "There is an immediate need for radio frequency engineers throughout our state, and the Broadcast Technology Academy will provide a direct pipeline of talented and well-trained individuals to fill that need."
"This partnership with NCAB has created a great opportunity for Wake Tech to address an important training need in a niche industry," said Al Brewer, dean of Engineering, Technologies & Skilled Trades. "Upon successful completion from the academy, students will be armed with the knowledge and skills to make an immediate impact as broadcast engineers in a high-demand field that is a vital part of our community."
The SBE has named Wake Tech a Certified School, providing national recognition of the college's Electronics Engineering Technology degree program and the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy.
The academy runs from September 24 through December 5, and classes will be held three days a week. Applications are currently being accepted. No prior experience is required.
