Employee News
College Announces New Dean of Engineering and Trades
RALEIGH, N.C. (August 1, 2024) - Wake Tech is pleased to announce Albert "Al" Brewer Jr. as the new dean of the Engineering, Technologies and Skilled Trades Division.
In his new role, Brewer will oversee the college's degree, diploma, certificate and non-degree programs in engineering, technologies and skilled trades. These programs prepare students for high-wage positions that are in high demand, and many offer apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning for hands-on field experience.
"With advanced emerging technologies and new companies calling North Carolina home, the demand for higher skill sets and a trained workforce is vital," said Brewer. "I am excited to help Wake Tech meet growing industry needs and boost the pipeline of skilled workers in our community."
Brewer also oversees Wake Tech's participation in SkillsUSA, a career and technical student organization that features competitions on the state and national level that allow students to showcase skills they will take to the workforce. Wake Tech students won an impressive 25 awards at the 2024 SkillsUSA North Carolina State Leadership & Skills Conference, including a first-place award for Largest Individual Membership Growth Chapter-Postsecondary (college/university level).
Brewer also launched the Recruitment Outreach Advising and Recruitment (ROAR) committee during the COVID-19 pandemic to improve student outreach and advising.
Brewer joined Wake Tech in 2019 as department head for Skilled Trades and Construction Technologies. He also served as department head for Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies. Prior to joining Wake Tech, he was the lead instructor of engineering and chair of the Associate in Engineering program review committee at Johnston Community College. He has nearly 30 years of industry experience in quality, production, engineering, project and facilities management.
Brewer holds a master's degree in Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering and a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University.
