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Radio Technicians Ready to Hit the Airwaves
College Celebrates First Graduates of Broadcast Academy
RALEIGH, N.C. (December 8, 2025) – The first 13 students in Wake Tech's unique Broadcast Technology Academy are ready to dial up rewarding careers. The short-term training program was established this year in partnership with the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) to address a growing shortage of broadcast technicians in the radio industry.
"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.
The 10-week program, launched in August, provides 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. Training took place at the college's Beltline Education Center, where students gained expertise in AM, FM and HD radio transmission systems, including transmitters, antennas, transmission lines, remote control systems and program delivery systems. All of the students passed the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Broadcast Technologist certification exam and are being connected with industry professionals for job opportunities.
Thanks to the partnership, NCAB covered the cost of tuition, fees and books. Additional funds were available to assist with living expenses, transportation and other necessities as needed.
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.
"There is an immediate need for radio frequency engineers throughout our state," said Mark Mendenhall, president of NCAB. "The Broadcast Technology Academy is providing a direct pipeline of talented and well-trained individuals to fill that need."
The next academy is being planned for next summer.
