In workforce development, innovation doesn’t always mean creating something new. It often means using the tools we have more intentionally. As Vice President of Workforce Development at Skilltrade, I work closely with workforce boards, healthcare employers, and community organizations across the country. And what I continue to see, again and again, is that digital tools, when applied with care and strategy, can change the trajectory of a learner’s life. experience.
For many of our students, entering healthcare isn’t just a career move; it’s a leap into an unfamiliar world. Even entry-level roles like medical assisting require a new language, mindset, and confidence. That’s why we start with accessibility. Our introductory micro-course offers a three-hour, no-cost preview of what it’s like to pursue a career as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. It’s not just an orientation. It’s an on-ramp. When taken as a pre-requisite, this early exposure helps learners decide if the path is right a good fit, and it gives them a chance to experience online learning before fully committing.
After completing the introductory micro-course, students who choose to move forward enroll in a 20-week Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program. This training blends online instruction with real-world context. Through our Canvas-based learning platform, enhanced with AI, students interact with virtual avatars and simulated patient scenarios. These moments are more than just exercises; they are practice runs for the workforce. This technology allows learners to explore clinical decision-making, communication, and professionalism in a low-risk, high-feedback environment.
We’ve also layered in 3D simulations to help bridge the gap between knowledge and application. These are immersive, scenario-based experiences that meet students where they are by supporting visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles.
Beyond the learner experience, our technology quietly works in the background to provide timely data to instructors, workforce case managers, and community partners. Real-time progress reports highlight where learners are thriving or struggling, allowing for responsive wraparound support that keeps them on track.
Partnerships with organizations like Midwest Urban Strategies have deepened my understanding of the public workforce system and the role technology can play when it's guided by community voice. Working with MUS has helped me see the importance of designing with communities not for them. This insight has reshaped how I approach every level of service delivery.
My work has taught me that when we co-create with intention, we build trust. We create pathways that reflect real lives, real needs, and real possibility. This mindset shows up in how we support our partner organizations and how we shape the learner journey. It spans from the tools we use, to the data we share, to the confidence we aim to build in our learners and partners.
To me, this is what digital literacy and workforce innovation look like in practice: rooted in human connection, built with thoughtful design, and designed to expand opportunities.
