The intersection of traditional trades work and digital literacy has become a priority for workforce development programs, according to Mike Feinberg, who emphasizes that modern workers need both technical skills and technological competency.
Through WorkTexas and its partnership with the Harris County Opportunity Center, Feinberg has observed firsthand how technology requirements have transformed even traditionally hands-on occupations.
The COVID-19 pandemic particularly highlighted these gaps. Experienced tradespeople who had worked for decades suddenly needed to conduct job interviews via Zoom or communicate with employers through email—skills their careers had never previously required.
“We learned that our youth can swipe a phone like no other, but get them to type something and it’s a very painful experience to watch,” explained Vanessa Ramirez, Feinberg’s partner at the Opportunity Center, during their joint podcast appearance.
The realization led to partnerships with Houston Community College to provide digital literacy and Apple fundamentals courses alongside traditional trades training. These classes address basic computer skills that many assume young people possess but often lack in practical applications.
Feinberg views this technological component as essential rather than supplementary. “It’s now officially become an and in order for you to just sustain a career,” he noted, referring to how digital skills complement rather than replace hands-on expertise.
The programs have revived previously standard educational offerings like typing classes, which disappeared from many curricula as schools focused on college preparation. His approach emphasizes bringing back foundational skills that served previous generations well.
Visitor groups from across the country often seek the “secret sauce” behind the program’s success, according to Ramirez. The answer frequently involves reinstating rather than inventing educational practices. “There’s no reinventing the wheel,” she said. “It’s a lot of just building great relationships.”
The integration strategy reflects broader workforce trends where employers expect workers to navigate both physical and digital environments. Modern welders might need to read electronic blueprints, while electricians increasingly work with smart building systems requiring technological fluency alongside traditional skills.