1A ConnectEd

As an outgrowth of the 55 by 25 initiative, 1A is proud to announce a new suite of activities we are calling One Acadiana ConnectEd, which leverages 1A’s unique role in the workforce ecosystem as a connector of business and education.

One Acadiana ConnectEd activities include:

1. 1A’s industry roundtable series
2. Linking educators with industry
3. Promoting career-connected learning

Industry Roundtables

Convened as part of One Acadiana’s Workforce & Education Committee, the quarterly industry roundtable series brings together employers who require similar skill sets in their workforces to discuss their shared needs with education and training providers.

The roundtables are a chance for peers within an industry to discuss their workforce challenges and best practices, including recruiting, hiring, training, retaining talent, and more.

Outcomes of past industry roundtables include the development of a new respiratory therapy apprenticeship program and promotion of a new software developer apprenticeship program, both the first of their kind in the state.

If you are interested in participating in an Industry Roundtable, you can fill out the interest form linked here or contact Maggi@OneAcadiana.org.

1A’s Industry Roundtable schedule for 2025 is as follows:

October 31 – Skilled Trades

Linking Educators with Industry

When educators understand the needs of local employers, they’re better equipped to prepare students for real-world success. However, building those connections can be difficult from inside the classroom. One Acadiana helps bridge that gap by linking schools with the region’s business community.

Through ConnectEd, we create opportunities for teachers, counselors, and administrators to explore local career pathways and bring that insight back to their students.

Activities include:

Annual 1A ConnectEd Workshop
A three-day deep dive supported by SoLAcc, with partners
including LEDA and Acadiana Workforce Solutions.

Promoting Career-Connected Learning

Work-based learning helps students develop job skills, identify career interests, and gain experience in real-world work environments. Louisiana’s new accountability formula for K-12 public schools increased the value of work-based learning with new policies to incentivize apprenticeship and internship experiences.

In partnership with State officials, local school systems, businesses, and other stakeholders, 1A supports efforts to expand high-quality work-based learning opportunities.

1A also partners with LEDA, Acadiana Workforce Solutions, local school systems, and other local economic development organizations on career fairs and industry tours, such as Manufacturing Week, which help expose students to the world of work.

Learn More about Hosting a High School Intern

If your business or organization is interested in connecting with local schools to host a high school internship or apprenticeship, contact Maggi@OneAcadiana.org or the appropriate Career & Technical Education leader for your local public school district HERE.

Learn more about Acadiana Workforce Solutions Work Experience Programs HERE.

You can also connect with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) via the form HERE.

Here are some resources from LDOE that may help you get started:

• Work-Based Learning Guidelines
• Employers’ Guide to Building Internship Programs
• LDOE’s Employer Interest Form

1A ConnectEd Highlights