The Crucial Role of Mike Feinberg in WorkTexas: Supporting Skills Training Beyond the Classroom
In a rapidly evolving job market, skills training has become indispensable for young adults seeking stable employment. Enter WorkTexas, a nonprofit organization co-founded by Mike Feinberg that aims to bridge the gap between education and practical skills needed in trades such as welding, carpentry, and plumbing. Yet, Feinberg and his team recognize that support outside the classroom is equally vital for the success of these training programs.
Mike Feinberg, a key figure in WorkTexas, emphasizes the multifaceted approach required to ensure students not only acquire skills but also sustain employment. He advocates for comprehensive support systems that address barriers often faced by students, such as transportation and childcare. “We make a commitment to follow our students for at least five years,” Feinberg notes, highlighting the organization’s long-term investment in its participants.
WorkTexas has strategically partnered with various organizations to support its mission. Collaborations with entities like WorkFaith Connection and the Wesley Community Center help provide students with soft skills and financial literacy training. These partnerships play a pivotal role in mitigating issues like food insecurity and healthcare gaps, which can derail even the most motivated students.
Transportation and childcare remain significant hurdles for many in the program. Recognizing this, WorkTexas has leveraged public-private partnerships and funding to offer daytime care for children of program participants. “It’s a childcare desert in the areas we train,” notes Yazmin Guerra, a workforce development leader at WorkTexas. By providing such services, the organization enables parents to focus on their training and eventual employment.
Feinberg’s commitment extends beyond the immediate needs. He and his team maintain regular contact with graduates to monitor their career progress and address any challenges they might face. This proactive approach includes checking in on job satisfaction and providing support, whether technical or emotional. Feinberg explains, “We are proactively reaching out to all of them every six months.”
The ongoing support from Mike Feinberg and the WorkTexas team is an exemplar of how integrating classroom instruction with essential life services creates a robust framework for career development. By addressing the diverse needs of its students, WorkTexas ensures that its graduates are not only skilled but also equipped to sustain meaningful careers, ultimately fostering a more secure future for themselves and their families.
