The North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) has partnered with Wake Tech to develop the NCAB Broadcast Technology Academy to prepare individuals who are technically minded, mechanically inclined or electrically inclined for careers as broadcast technicians in the radio industry.
A rigorous mix of classroom and hands-on learning in a specially designed lab during the 10-week academy provides students the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required for professional success in the broadcasting industry. Students learn about AM, FM and HD radio transmission systems, including transmitters, antennas, transmission lines, remote control systems and program delivery systems.
Upon completion, students will be able to troubleshoot and repair both legacy and modern radio transmission systems. They also will be prepared to challenge the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Broadcast Technologist exam, providing national recognition of their engineering abilities.
Tuition, fees and books will be covered by the NCAB. Additional funds will be available to assist with living expenses, transportation, etc., provided the student attends all classes and meets workload and grade requirements.
Students who complete the training successfully will be connected to industry professionals for job recruiting opportunities.
According to SBE and U.S. Department of Labor statistics, the radio industry faces a growing shortage of broadcast engineers as more technicians retire than enter the field. The Broadcast Technology Academy was created because the profession requires a unique skill set not readily available for study at most institutions of higher learning or vocational education programs.
The SBE has named Wake Tech a "Certification 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 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Wake Tech's Beltline Education Center, 3200 Bush St. in Raleigh.