Program News
Broadcast Technicians Ready for In-Demand Careers
RALEIGH, N.C. (September 9, 2026) – Ten graduates of Wake Tech's Broadcast Technology Academy are ready to take to the airwaves, bringing their new skills to an industry with a growing demand for broadcast technicians.
The short-term training program, offered in partnership with the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB), was created to help address a nationwide shortage of broadcast technicians and engineers.
"The NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy is a great example of how Wake Tech collaborates with industry leaders to create training that directly meets workforce needs," said Myra Beckers, director of Student Work Experience and Employer Advisory Partnerships at Wake Tech. "These graduates have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill, and they're entering the workforce prepared to make an immediate impact in the broadcasting industry."
The 14-week program combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training, equipping students with the technical expertise and industry knowledge needed to succeed in broadcast engineering. Training took place at Wake Tech's Beltline Education Center, where students gained experience with AM, FM and HD radio transmission systems, including transmitters, antennas, transmission lines, remote-control systems and program delivery systems.
All 10 graduates passed the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Broadcast Technologist certification exam and are now connecting with industry professionals and employment opportunities across the state.
Graduate Kirk Greenwood said the program exceeded his expectations and gave him the confidence to pursue a new career path.
"I feel like this program was designed just for me," Greenwood said. "The combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training and insights from industry professionals gave me the skills and confidence to step into the field right away. It was an incredible learning experience."
Greenwood, who previously worked in sales in Burlington and commuted to participate in the program, is taking his educational journey a step further. He plans to relocate to Raleigh and pursue an Associate in Engineering degree at Wake Tech.
"This is just the beginning," he said.
Through the partnership, NCAB covered the cost of tuition, fees and textbooks. Additional financial assistance was available to help students with transportation, living expenses and other needs.
According to SBE and the U.S. Department of Labor, the broadcasting industry is facing a growing shortage of engineers and technicians as more professionals retire than enter the field. The Broadcast Technology Academy was created to help fill that gap by providing specialized training in a profession that requires a unique skill set not commonly available through traditional higher education or vocational programs.
The academy launched in August 2025, with 13 students completing the inaugural cohort.
