MEDFORD, Ore. (Feb. 26, 2026) — Rogue Community College is moving forward with plans to expand its transportation technology programs after its Board of Education approved contracts to construct new facilities on both the Redwood and Table Rock campuses.
College officials said the expansion is aimed at increasing access to high-demand transportation technology education while addressing workforce shortages affecting the automotive and diesel industries locally and nationwide.
Across the United States, the transportation sector is facing a growing shortage of skilled automotive and diesel technicians as a significant portion of the workforce approaches retirement age. Federal labor projections estimate tens of thousands of job openings annually over the next decade, driven largely by retirements and sustained industry demand.
Originally planned as a single-site project, the RCC Transportation Technology Center will now operate in both Jackson and Josephine counties. College leaders said the dual-campus approach is designed to reduce barriers to enrollment, improve access for students in both counties and strengthen connections with regional employers.
The new facilities will support updated curriculum and expanded hands-on instruction in automotive and diesel technologies. RCC said first-year coursework has been redesigned to better align with industry expectations and emerging workforce trends. The refresh has already received positive feedback from employers and community partners who rely on a steady pipeline of skilled technicians, according to the college.
“This project represents an important investment in our students and our region,” RCC President Randy Weber said in a statement. “Transportation technology careers are essential to our local economy, and these new facilities will allow us to serve more students, modernize instruction and strengthen partnerships with industry and the community.”
RCC’s Transportation Technology programs prepare students for careers in automotive repair, diesel service, fleet maintenance and related transportation fields. The expanded facilities are intended to support long-term program growth and provide students with access to modern equipment and learning environments that reflect current workplace standards.
As construction moves ahead, the college said it will continue working with industry partners, workforce organizations and community stakeholders to ensure the project meets evolving regional needs. RCC is also partnering with the RCC Foundation to explore additional opportunities to enhance and expand the Transportation Technology Center.
College officials said more information about construction timelines and program expansion will be released as details become available.
To learn more about RCC, click this link.
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