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 leverage 1A’s unique role in the workforce ecosystem as a connector of business and education.
One Acadiana ConnectEd activities include:
- 1A’s industry roundtable series
- Linking educators with industry
- Promoting career-connected learning
Contact
Maggi Bienvenu, Ed.D.
Director, Business & Education Connections
Maggi@OneAcadiana.org
337-408-3671
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.
1A’s Industry Roundtable schedule for 2025 is as follows:
January 31 – Healthcare
April 11 – Information Technology
July 25 – Manufacturing
October 31 – Skilled Trades
If you are interested in participating in an Industry Roundtable, you can fill out the interest form linked here or contact Maggi@OneAcadiana.org.
Linking Educators with Industry
Through a grant from SoLAcc and in collaboration with LEDA, 1A launched ConnectEd Educator Professional Development in June 2024, a new program designed to link educators with industry.
Twenty career & technical (CTE) teachers from across the Acadiana region participated in the inaugural cohort, which focused on high-wage, high-demand jobs in two industries with significant workforce demand – Healthcare and Manufacturing. It featured tours of four local businesses: Stuller, Tides Medical, Ochsner Lafayette General, and SLB (formerly Schlumberger).
The ConnectEd Educator Professional Development program will continue in 2025 with four cohorts that will rotate throughout the region.
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 has 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 will support efforts to expand high-quality work-based learning opportunities.
We are convening a 1A ConnectEd Summit on March 26, 2025 to engage business leaders and educators on this goal.
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.