Sound Engineering Technicians
Special Requirements
The Federal Communications Commission no longer requires the licensing of broadcast technicians, as the Telecommunications Act of 1996 eliminated this licensing requirement. Certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers is a mark of competence and experience.
The best way to prepare for a broadcast and sound technician job is to obtain technical school, community college, or college training in broadcast technology or in engineering or electronics. This is particularly true for those who hope to advance to supervisory positions or jobs at large stations or the networks. In the motion picture industry people are hired as apprentice editorial assistants and work their way up to more skilled jobs. Employers in the motion picture industry usually hire experienced freelance technicians on a picture-by-picture basis. Reputation and determination are important in getting jobs.
Beginners learn skills on the job from experienced technicians and supervisors. They often begin their careers in small stations and, once experienced, move on to larger ones. Large stations usually only hire technicians with experience. Many employers pay tuition and expenses for courses or seminars to help technicians keep abreast of developments in the field.
The Federal Communications Commission no longer requires the licensing of broadcast technicians, as the Telecommunications Act of 1996 eliminated this licensing requirement. Certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers is a mark of competence and experience. The certificate is issued to experienced technicians who pass an examination. By offering the Radio Operator and the Television Operator levels of certification, the Society of Broadcast Engineers has filled the void left by the elimination of the FCC license.
Prospective technicians should take high school courses in math, physics, and electronics. Building electronic equipment from hobby kits and operating a "ham," or amateur radio, are good experience, as is work in college radio and television stations.
Broadcast and sound technicians must have manual dexterity and an aptitude for working with electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems and equipment.
Experienced technicians can become supervisory technicians or chief engineers. A college degree in engineering is needed to become chief engineer at a large TV station.
Although not required, certification may enhance professional growth and career progression.
For information on certification, contact the Society of Broadcast Engineers at the web site: http://www.sbe.org
The State Council of Higher Education lists two Virginia educational institutions offering programs in electronics and communications engineering technician: Norfolk State University and World College.
Additional Info:
ONET (Occupational Information Network)
-http://online.onetcenter.org/gen_search_page
Virginia Employment Commission
-http://www.alex.vec.state.va.us/
Career One Stop
-http://www.careeronestop.org/
Virginia Career Resource Network
-http://www.vacrn.net/
National Association of Broadcasters
-http://www.nab.org
For More Information, Contact:
Society Of Broadcast Engineers
9247 North Meridian Street, Suite 305
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: 317.846.9000
Fax: 317.846.9120
http://www.sbe.org/
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)
