Healthcare is a growing industry in Central Texas and many young people here are interested in a healthcare career. They may not know exactly what they want to do, however. So, to help inspire the next generation of skilled healthcare workers, we joined the Central Texas Healthcare Partnership to host the annual Nursing Academy on Sept. 27 at Galen College of Nursing in Austin!

Driving the news: Students from 18 different high schools from Austin, Del Valle, Dripping Springs, Elgin, Georgetown, Hays, Leander, Lockhart, Pflugerville and Round Rock ISDs, as well as local charter schools and American YouthWorks, attended this daylong event.

What happened: The students explored nursing career paths and received hands-on opportunities in simulation labs to experience wound care, injections and IV lines.

  • Galen nursing students spoke with the high schoolers to provide their perspectives on what a future in nursing can look like.

Zoom out: The Central Texas Healthcare Partnership was founded in early 2018 under the leadership of three Central Texas healthcare industry leaders: Baylor Scott & White Health, Ascension Seton, and St. David’s HealthCare.

The Partnership’s mission is to sustain and grow the Central Texas healthcare industry while expanding pathways to good jobs for local residents. WFS Capital Area provides staff support to assist with the coordination of the partnership.

WFS Capital Area participates in multiple industry sector partnerships. These are a proven and employer-led workforce development strategy. With employers leading the conversation, companies across the U.S. have seen positive impacts on company growth and retention. Industry-specific executives within the Austin labor market work together to influence alignment around common solutions with awareness, training, hiring, and upskilling. Learn more about our industry sector partnerships.