In a nondescript building not far from where Gallery Furniture’s iconic signs light up the North Freeway, something remarkable is happening. Houstonians from all walks of life are gathering to learn trades that could transform their futures. This is WorkTexas, a workforce development program that’s quietly revolutionizing how our city approaches vocational training.
The story behind this initiative, launched in 2020 by education veteran Mike Feinberg and co-founder Yazmin Guerra, reflects a distinctly Houston approach to problem-solving: practical, employer-focused, and deeply rooted in community needs. While other cities debate the merits of various workforce development theories, Houston has been busy building a solution that works.
A Houston-Style Solution
The program’s success lies in its straightforward approach. Each cohort commits to approximately 170 hours of training over 11 weeks, learning trades ranging from welding to commercial truck driving. But what’s happening here goes beyond simple skill-building. WorkTexas has created something that could only emerge from Houston’s unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and community-minded pragmatism.
Operating from locations including Gallery Furniture and the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department’s Opportunity Center, the program meets Houstonians where they are. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about breaking down the barriers that often prevent talented people from accessing opportunities. In true Houston fashion, WorkTexas doesn’t just identify problems—it finds ways to solve them.
Take childcare, for instance. In a part of town Guerra describes as a “childcare desert,” the program has established care for more than 60 children through public-private partnerships. This isn’t just a nice addition—it’s essential infrastructure that allows parents to focus on their training without worrying about their children’s well-being.
The program’s approach to employer relationships also reflects Houston’s business-savvy culture. Instead of developing programs in isolation and hoping they’ll meet industry needs, WorkTexas starts with employer requirements and builds from there. The result is a curriculum that directly addresses the skilled labor gaps in our city’s economy.
But perhaps the most Houston aspect of this initiative is its comprehensive approach to success. The program’s leaders understand that in our city, where opportunities and challenges often arrive in equal measure, success requires more than just technical skills. That’s why they’ve built a network of support that includes everything from job coaching to community partnerships addressing housing and food security.
A Community Investment
This investment in comprehensive support is already showing returns for our community. The program maintains contact with graduates for up to five years, providing ongoing career coaching and support. This long-term commitment reflects an understanding that sustainable careers aren’t built in a day—they’re built through consistent support and opportunity.
The initiative has fostered collaborative relationships among various community organizations, creating what Feinberg calls a “sandbox” where different groups work together toward common goals. This approach has created a ripple effect, with the impact of workforce development extending into other areas of community well-being.
WorkTexas represents something uniquely Houston: a practical solution to a complex problem, built through collaboration between business and community leaders, focused on tangible results rather than theory. As our city continues to grow and evolve, this homegrown approach to workforce development might just provide a blueprint for addressing other challenges facing our community.
The program’s success suggests that sometimes the best solutions are the ones that emerge from local understanding and commitment. While other cities might still be debating the future of vocational education, Houston is busy building it—one skilled worker at a time.
For a city that’s always looking forward, WorkTexas offers a glimpse of what’s possible when community needs, business interests, and practical solutions align. It’s a reminder that in Houston, we don’t just talk about solving problems—we roll up our sleeves and get to work.