FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | RELEASE DATE: April 15, 2026 | CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz (562) 692-0921
(Whittier, Calif.) — Officials from the U.S. Department of Labor visited Río Hondo College on April 15 to learn more about the College’s Career Workforce Education programs and their impact on the regional economy.
Members of the Río Hondo Community College District Board of Trustees, Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss and senior administrators met with Director of Workforce Initiatives Troy Selberg and Western Regional Representative Joshua Wetzel to review several programs, including Automotive Technology, Welding, Apprenticeships and Automation/Robotics Mechatronics.
The visit stemmed from conversations held during the National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., in early February. During that time, the Board of Trustees highlighted the College’s 2026 federal legislative priorities, which focused on expanding access through student support, advancing student success by addressing basic needs and strengthening workforce development aligned with regional industry demands. An invitation was extended to U.S. Department of Labor officials to visit Río Hondo College in the Spring to learn more about its programs and campus.
“This visit highlighted the strength of our Career Workforce Education programs and the meaningful role they play in creating pathways to high-demand careers,” said President Dreyfuss. “By aligning our programs with industry needs, we equipped students with the skills necessary to succeed while supporting the economic vitality of our region.”
During the April visit, officials toured the campus, engaged with faculty and leadership and gained deeper insight into how the College’s programs prepare students and contributes to the local workforce and economy.
“We were pleased to welcome U.S. Department of Labor officials to Río Hondo College,” said Board of Trustees President Rosaelva Lomeli. “Our students in these programs are directly fueling the local workforce, and this visit provided an opportunity to showcase the impact of their training on meeting regional industry needs.”
Apprenticeship partners were also present, sharing their expertise and support, including Louis Ontiveros, executive director of the Western States Carpenters Training Fund; Jacob A. Padilla, assistant director of the Western States Carpenters Training Fund; Mike Rivers, curriculum and distance education coordinator and OSHA master and qualified trainer with the Operating Engineers Training Trust; Daniel Ruiz, instructor with the Asbestos Workers Joint Apprenticeship Fund; Robert J. Mosqueda, Region 2A coordinator with the Laborers Training School; and Arthur Monreal, special projects manager for Río Hondo America’s Job Center of California.
To learn more about Río Hondo College and its programs, please visit www.riohondo.edu.
