In an effort to address shifting hiring demands and bolster the regional talent pipeline, local healthcare employers, educators, and workforce development leaders will gather on June 25^th for the Midlands Healthcare Roundtable.

Hosted by Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC), the event will take place from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Lexington Medical Center (2720 Sunset Blvd – South Entrance) in West Columbia.

The roundtable arrives at a critical time for healthcare staffing, serving as a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between fast-growing local industry needs and community training programs. Over a networking breakfast, attendees will participate in data-focused discussions regarding local workforce gaps, hiring challenges, and the specific skill sets employers are looking for in today’s market.

“We have seen extremely strong placement success rates within our specialized healthcare pathway programs,” Goodwill’s Vice President of Community and Workforce Development, Monique McDaniels, said. “Much of that victory is directly tied to the incredible partnerships and everyday support from our regional healthcare providers and training champions.”

For GIUMSC, aligning its programs with industry demand has already yielded significant regional results. According to GIUMSC’s newly released 2025 Annual Highlights report, the organization currently ranks 5^th out of 151 Goodwill’s, nationwide, for individuals placed into employment.

The data highlights a clear correlation between specialized workforce development and successful hiring outcomes. Key metrics reveal that:

• 97% of training program participants are successfully placed into competitive employment.
• 90% of program participants successfully earn their industry-specific certifications upon completion.
• GIUMSC has invested more than $118 million back into local communities through its economic impact.

A major focus of the June 25^th event will be exploring opportunities for stackable credentials and career advancement pathways that keep workers climbing the healthcare ladder. GIUMSC plans to highlight the ongoing regional impact of its fast-track medical training programs, which equip job seekers for roles as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs), Phlebotomists, Sterile Processing Technicians, and EKG Technicians.

Organizers have extended invitations to healthcare employers, hospital systems, educators, training providers, and community facilitators involved in medical training and employment across the Columbia and Midlands regions.

The ultimate goal of the morning is to walk away with actionable plans for future partnerships, improved curriculum alignment, and expanded avenues to place job seekers into stable, sustainable healthcare careers.

For more information on Goodwill’s Healthcare Pathway, please visit: https://www.goodwillsc.org/career-services/pathways/healthcare/