One Acadiana convened the first session of the 2026 1A Industry Roundtable Series on February 27 with the 1A Healthcare Industry Roundtable, convening healthcare employers, educators, and workforce partners for an employer-led conversation focused on the region’s most pressing workforce needs. The discussion was facilitated by Jheri Corb of Workforce Delivered and is part of One Acadiana ConnectEd, programming that aligns education and workforce systems with real employer demand.
Employers highlighted broad challenges in maintaining stable clinical coverage, along with continued demand for roles such as surgical technologists, behavioral health providers, community health workers (CHWs), and home health caregivers. They also discussed ongoing difficulty recruiting providers to rural communities, where transportation, relocation, and pipeline limitations continue to impact access to care.
Employers and education partners are using work-based learning strategies to address these challenges. Through job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, accelerated programs, and other “earn while you learn” pathways, these partnerships are strengthening career awareness, workforce readiness, and the responsiveness of training to employer needs.
As Acadiana continues to grow as a healthcare hub, employer-led conversations like these help ensure our workforce is ready to meet that demand.
Upcoming 1A Industry Roundtables will focus on Information Technology, Manufacturing, and Skilled Trades. Complete the 2026 Roundtable Interest Form if you are interested in participating.