One Acadiana continued the 2026 1A Industry Roundtable Series on May 8, focusing on the region’s technology sector. This meeting convened regional IT employers, educators, workforce partners, and economic development organizations for an employer-led conversation on Acadiana’s evolving technology workforce needs.
With the discussion facilitated by Terysa Ridgeway (Google; Code + Play), employers highlighted artificial intelligence as a rapidly growing priority, while emphasizing that technical ability alone is not enough. Communication, adaptability, problem-solving, curiosity, business acumen, and the ability to work across teams were consistently identified as critical skills.
Participants also discussed the growing need for workers who can bridge technical knowledge with customer success, project management, sales, operations, and client-facing support. Employers noted that culture fit, collaboration, and people skills are key differentiators for local teams.
Work-based learning emerged as a major opportunity, with employers discussing internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, project-based learning, and student portfolios as ways to help students build real-world experience and confidence before entering the workforce.
The conversation reinforced the importance of exposing students earlier to the wide range of technology careers available in Acadiana and helping them connect classroom learning, work experiences, and long-term career pathways.
The Industry Roundtable series is part of One Acadiana ConnectEd, an initiative fostering meaningful connecting between education and workforce partners through employer engagement, career-connected learning, and stronger alignment between training and industry needs.
Upcoming 1A Industry Roundtables will focus on Manufacturing (August 14) and Skilled Trades (October 23). Complete the 2026 Roundtable Interest Form if you are interested in participating.