AGTECH WORKFORCE
This surge in enrollment is matched by a significant investment in cutting-edge tools. Reedley College has poured resources into new and updated equipment, ensuring students are trained on the technologies shaping the future of farming. This includes hands-on experience with modern equipment like drones, computer systems, agriculture software, robotic kits, and virtual trainers. By mastering these tools, students gain the critical technical literacy and practical skills required for advanced roles in precision agriculture, equipment maintenance, and data management. The program is now successfully operating in five different cities: Reedley, Selma, Parlier, Orange Cove, and Madera. This geographic accessibility is proving vital, drawing students from as far away as Bakersfield and generating strong interest from the Los Angeles area, demonstrating the program’s powerful regional draw and relevance.
The AgTEC (Agriculture Technology and Education Collaborative) Workforce program has moved past its initial launch and is experiencing exponential growth. The program’s core mission is to bridge the skills gap in modern agriculture by transitioning current and future agriculture workers into high-tech, high-wage careers. In its inaugural year, the program graduated 16 dedicated students. Notably, all of these graduates are currently employed, with many earning promotions into supervisory roles, and several are moving onto two-year degree programs at Reedley College. This early success set the stage for explosive expansion: enrollment has nearly doubled from 65 students a year ago to over 120 students currently, with plans to welcome another 100 individuals in the coming academic year. This robust growth demonstrates the urgent demand for the program’s flexible education model, allowing students to move at their own pace and offers courses in both Spanish and English. YOUR TURN.
Annual Report 2024-2025 15
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