Chattahoochee Technical College is extending its fall application deadline for new and transferring students.

The original deadline, Friday, has been extended to August 8 allowing transferring and new students to get transcripts, test scores and applications to the school.

More than 1,000 students have already registered.

Early registration will be accessible until August 13, and final registration is available at the Marietta and North Metro campuses on August 15. Classes will begin on August 17.

Lead Instructor David Budwash working with a student (unnamed) in the school’s television production lab.

A new program combining the fields of Information Technology, Electronics, and Broadcasting will launch this summer at Chattahoochee Technical College. The only one of its kind in the Southeast, the Broadcast Engineering track will provide training in the design and repair of broadcast facilities and equipment. This includes television and radio transmitters, computer media networks and production gear.

“We found the addition of the Broadcast Engineering Technology sequence to our successful Television Production Technology and Media Design programs to be the next logical step in our effort to offer innovative technical training for students,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Vice-President of Academic Affairs Dr. Trina Boteler. “TV stations, networks and production companies that dot the Southeast have no direct supply of engineers which creates the demand for well-trained students.”

David Budwash who will head up the BCET program added, “Most TV stations have to provide on the job training for IT technicians which costs significant time and money. Our program will answer the needs of the broadcast arena and provide exciting and lucrative opportunities for our graduates.”

The Broadcast Engineering Technology Associate Degree will be taught at the college’s Mountain View Campus in East Cobb County and will prepare students for employment in the technical side of the television, radio and post production industry. Designed to train graduates in the skills required by every employer, students will learn how to design, build and manage broadcast systems, facilities and IT Networks. Additionally, the curriculum includes troubleshooting broadcast equipment to component level and performing routine and preventative maintenance.

The degree level program consists of 65 credit hours of general education and occupational courses, including networking systems, electrical power distribution, digital video systems design, advanced equipment repair, as well as a practicum/internship component.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows overall employment of broadcast engineering technicians is expected to grow by 8 percent while employment in the field of audio and video equipment technicians is expected to grow by 13 percent. The median salary is reported at $32,900.

“Currently, there are many positions available requiring skilled broadcast engineers,” Budwash said. “This need is increasing daily, as fully qualified graduates are not currently available.”

For more information about the BCET program at Chattahoochee Technical College, call 770.509.6305 or visit www.Chattahoocheetech.edu.