City of San Antonio, TX
05/16/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/16/2022 11:56
Ready to Work Opens Enrollment for San Antonio Job Training and Education Program
Published on Monday, May 16, 2022
Ready to Work Opens Enrollment for San Antonio Job Training and Education Program
City and business leaders launch program dedicated to helping San Antonians achieve higher wages and professional success
CONTACT: Kristy Hernandez, City of San Antonio, 210.207.3919
[email protected]
Jill Byrd, 210.501.4288
[email protected]
SAN ANTONIO (May 16, 2022) - Ready to Work, the unprecedented workforce initiative approved by San Antonio voters in 2020, has launched its online enrollment to the people of San Antonio seeking access to professional training, education, and quality, high-paying careers. More than 800 participants have already pre-registered,
Residents can easily enroll through any of the following three options:
- Online: Visit readytoworksa.com.
- Phone: Call 3-1-1 and ask for Ready to Work.
- In Person: Visit Alamo Colleges District, Project Quest, Restore Education or Workforce Solutions Alamo.
The program is designed to help remove financial, mental, and social barriers for qualified adults committed to earning industry-recognized certifications, Associate's Degrees, or Bachelor's Degrees. Participants will have access to:
- Tuition assistance aligned with targeted occupations in high-demand, well-paid careers;
- Support services and emergency assistance to ensure training completion; and
- Job placement and retention services.
Ready to Work offers courses from more than 50 local training providers, colleges, and universities in an approved training catalog that is published online and updated quarterly. Participants who enroll and complete training could be placed in a job in as early as a few months.
"I thank the leadership of the Ready to Work team, our partners and members serving on our Ready to Work Advisory Board and Subcommittees," Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. "I'd also like to thank so many employers who have already pledged support, and I encourage our business leaders who have not yet done so to embrace the Ready to Work movement. Together, we will drive the economic health of our community forward."
District 4 Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia credits the collaborative approach of stakeholders and partners that make the program truly unique for each participant.
"As a member of the Ready to Work Advisory Board, it has been my honor to research, strategize and collaborate with all of our partners and stakeholders to lift the people of San Antonio who need it most. We are executing local and national best practices, which includes a personalized approach for each participant to leverage resources to overcome previous barriers and acquire the skills and services needed to complete the program and succeed in a career," she said.
The success of Ready to Work relies on the commitment and leadership of our local business community. Ready to Work follows the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Talent Pipeline Management approach to engage employers efficiently and effectively. As of May 13, more than 188 local businesses have taken the Ready to Work Employer Pledge, where they commit to inform local training providers of critical skills needed to meet today's and tomorrow's market conditions and to hire participants. In return, employers receive opportunities to engage in industry roundtables, talent pipeline management sessions, recruiter informational sessions, and job fairs. Employers also benefit from employee recruitment and onboarding, industry-aligned talent training, employee retention, enriched employment experiences, and workplace diversity.
"Throughout the years, either as an attorney or as the District 8 Councilman, I have represented clients as diverse as the city we live in from homeowners to small businesses to large employers," Councilman Manny Peláez said. "The launch of Ready to Work is something that will collaboratively pull this community together and move us forward. We know there are thousands of San Antonians that are ready to make a change and are ready to improve the quality of life for their families with higher wages. And because of the comprehensive nature of the Ready to Work program, our business community will benefit from having skilled workers to meet the demands of the evolving economy."
Ready to Work uses a central data platform to track performance outcomes, which allows for a seamless digital journey for enrollees, provides advanced data analytics and continuous improvement.
"We made sure this program aligned with employer needs, which has been imperative in making Ready to Work a success," stated City Manager Erik Walsh. "I'd like to recognize all of our partners who have helped make this program possible. Together we can and will build a stronger, more hopeful, more inclusive and prepared workforce to address all employers' needs."
"We have been working behind the scenes for months to prepare for this day," Ready to Work Executive Director Michael Ramsey said. "Together, with our partners, training providers, and employers, we are inviting our neighbors to take this important step to start on the path to improve their quality of life."
Those interested in enrolling in Ready to work must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- At least 18 years old;
- Permitted to work in the United States;
- Resident of San Antonio;
- Not currently enrolled in college courses;
- Willing to take assessments related to workforce readiness; and
- Household income may not exceed 250% of federal poverty guidelines, which are periodically updated.
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