Wittman and Acting Secretary of Labor, Keith Sonderling, Visit Rappahannock Community College

Warsaw, VA - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) visited Rappahannock Community College with Acting Secretary of Labor, Keith Sonderling. The visit allowed Congressman Wittman and Secretary Sonderling to see how Rappahannock Community College (RCC) is helping meet workforce demands, strengthen apprenticeship pathways, and create economic opportunity in Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula communities.

"It was a pleasure to join Secretary Sonderling on this tour of Rappahannock Community College," said Rep. Wittman. "Rappahannock Community College is doing tremendous work to expand workforce development and apprenticeship initiatives, helping prepare Virginia's workforce to meet 21st-century needs and be equipped for skilled trade careers that are in high demand. Last year, I was proud to see my legislation, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, signed into law. This legislation provides students with the flexibility to pursue pathways that suit their needs by allowing them to use their 529 savings accounts for workforce development training, such as those offered at Rappahannock Community College. I want to thank Dr. Shannon Kennedy, President of Rappahannock Community College, and RCC faculty and staff for showing us the great work being done to prepare Virginians to meet the needs of tomorrow's workforce."

RCC recently received GO Virginia funding to construct a new 4,240-square-foot workforce training center on its Glenns campus in support of its rapidly growing Welding and Diesel Mechanics programs. The $674,000 project will be funded by the GO Virginia grant, RCC Educational Foundation, and nearby localities, and represents a significant investment in workforce readiness and hands-on technical education.

The new facility will feature 16 welding booths, expanded diesel mechanics training space, and updated infrastructure specifically designed for industry-driven workforce preparation. In addition to technical instruction, the initiative supports internships, job shadowing opportunities, industry-recognized credentials, and upskilling opportunities for current workers across the region.

Background:

Congressman Wittman's legislation, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, was signed into law in July 2025. This legislation allows individuals to use their 529 savings account funds to pay for post-secondary professional training and credentialing programs - expanding access to alternative education pathways and high-paying jobs. With the Commonwealth being home to the largest 529 program in the country, Congressman Wittman championed the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act to broaden education and career opportunities for both young Americans who are just getting on their feet and workers of every career stage seeking professional growth.