On May 12^th, 2022, Madison County Employment and Training (LWIA 22) and the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department (LWIA 24) combined to host a Regional Healthcare Roundtable event at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, Illinois.

The event brought regional employers, educators, apprentices, and community-based organizations, together with the public to discuss building a talent pipeline that could support the healthcare sector. The event focused on using work-based learning strategies as a supplement to strategies already in place.  Current apprentices and employers using Registered Apprenticeships (RA’s) spoke about the value and return on investment that RA’s provide. 

The event drew over sixty participants and led to a healthy discussion on how the region can come together to recruit, train, and retain employees from diverse and underutilized talent pools.  LWIA’s 22 and 24 have hosted several other roundtable events this year including one for returning citizens (individuals with justice involvement) and one focused on supply chain and logistics. Additional sector-based roundtables are scheduled for 2022 in education, construction, manufacturing, and apprenticeships.

The roundtable events have proven to be a great way to bring partners together to discuss challenges, opportunities, and best practices.