One Acadiana continued its 2026 1A Industry Roundtable Series on August 14 with the 1A Manufacturing Industry Roundtable, bringing together manufacturers, educators, and workforce partners to discuss the region’s talent needs. Facilitated by Missy Rogers of Noble Plastics, the employer-led conversation is part of One Acadiana’s work to align education and workforce efforts with employer demand through 1A ConnectEd.
Employers did more than identify challenges. They openly shared practices they are using to recruit, onboard, mentor, and develop workers—from cross-training and clearer growth paths to internships and projects that give students meaningful experience. The exchange gave participants practical ideas to consider in their own operations.
The conversation is timely as Acadiana’s opportunities grow. First Solar’s manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish has brought new advanced manufacturing jobs to the region, while SpaceX’s announced spaceport in Vermilion Parish points to future aerospace opportunities. Homegrown manufacturers are growing, too: Coastal Machine & Supply has announced an expansion in Carencro, and Leading Edge Manufacturing is expanding its workforce across its Youngsville and Broussard facilities. Preparing local talent for opportunities across these businesses makes employer collaboration all the more valuable.
Employers also emphasized the need to introduce students to manufacturing earlier. Facility tours, job shadowing, internships, and other work-based learning experiences let students see the people, technology, and career paths behind the industry. Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) falls on Friday, October 2, 2026, with events continuing throughout the month. It offers Acadiana manufacturers a timely opportunity to open their doors and help students picture a future in the field. Those early experiences can lead to fulfilling careers close to home.
In response to workforce needs raised across its Manufacturing Industry Roundtables, One Acadiana is working with South Louisiana Community College and regional manufacturers to establish Acadiana FAME. Supported by a FAME Catalyst Grant from The Manufacturing Institute, the apprenticeship will combine classroom learning with paid, hands-on experience. Its first cohort is anticipated to begin in fall 2027.
The roundtable reinforced a shared goal: a stronger workforce ecosystem where students can see clear paths into manufacturing careers and employers can help develop the talent they need. To learn more about this work, visit 1A ConnectEd.