Education

Merced Sun-Star

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US labor secretary visits Merced College to learn about AgTEC Innovation

U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling visited Merced College on Monday to see how the college is preparing workers for the future of agriculture through innovative training programs, advanced technology and industry partnerships. Sonderling toured the construction site of the AgTEC Innovation Center, a new facility designed to provide hands-on training in food processing, agricultural technology and related fields. The visit also highlighted the U.S. Department of Labor’s nearly $2 million investment in Merced College’s AgTEC Workforce Initiative. “American agriculture is quickly evolving with innovation and new technology increasing our production and providing more food and fuel to feed American families and power our economy,” Sonderling wrote in an Instagram post following the visit. “Thanks to partners like Merced College, the U.S. Department of Labor is leading the way to fund programs that ensure Americans are skilled in utilizing this new machinery to continue agricultural dominance.” Merced College President Chris Vitelli said the visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate how the college is translating federal investment into educational opportunities for students and the regional workforce. “We are grateful to Secretary Sonderling and the U.S. Department of Labor for their investment in the future of agricultural workforce development,” Vitelli said. “Agriculture