When Mike Feinberg co-founded WorkTexas in 2020, he didn’t just launch another job training program—he pioneered a new approach to workforce development. Recognizing that sustainable employment requires more than technical skills, Feinberg designed a comprehensive support system that addresses the real-world challenges facing Houston’s workforce.

At the core of Feinberg’s innovation is his employer-first philosophy. “We are employer-focused,” he explains, describing his mission “to help people get jobs, keep jobs, advance careers.” This approach has shaped an intensive 11-week curriculum that delivers 170 hours of targeted training, but Feinberg’s vision extends far beyond the classroom.

Drawing from his experience in education, Feinberg understood that success often hinges on factors outside of training. “A lot of people we train are one flat tire away from disaster,” he notes. “We can help everyone get a job based on their training; but you’re not going to do well in your job if you’re homeless or hungry, or your car stops working.” This insight led to the development of crucial support services, including childcare solutions that now serve more than 60 children.

Mike Feinberg‘s most innovative contribution may be his creation of what he calls a “sandbox” for community collaboration. “The people who are working on food, housing and physical health realize their work can only truly make a huge impact if people wind up having a sustainable career,” he explains, highlighting the program’s unique approach to comprehensive support.

Through strategic locations at Gallery Furniture and the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department’s Opportunity Center, Feinberg’s program is demonstrating how workforce development can create lasting pathways to success when training and support services work in tandem.