From the Desk of Mike Ramsey:
It's Fiesta Season!

As April brings the spirit of Fiesta to our City, we have even more to celebrate through the continued success of the San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW) program. Every day, we see the impact of this voter-approved initiative in the lives of our participants as they gain new skills, secure meaningful careers, and build stronger futures for their families.

A recent Return on Investment study underscores just how transformative this program has become. With a projected $11.8 billion in economic impact, RTW is producing wage gains for adults and helping our participants' children thrive by creating greater financial stability within their homes. The program is not only changing individual lives but also strengthening our community. Participants are averaging more than $33,500 in increased salary when placed in a job, gaining financial stability, increasing local spending, and supporting long-term economic mobility.

This progress would not be possible without the dedication of our participants, the commitment of our employer and training partners, and the backing of the voters who made this investment in San Antonio’s future. Together, we are proving that investing in people delivers real, measurable results.

As we celebrate the program milestones, we must also look ahead. There is still more work to do to connect more residents with opportunity and support our City's evolving workforce needs. With continued collaboration and community support, we can ensure RTW will continue to benefit San Antonio. 

Participant Spotlight

Stuck After Graduation, He Found a Path Forward

Sebastian Oberg's journey is a powerful example of how the right support can turn potential into opportunity. Despite earning his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Texas A&M University in College Station, he faced a common challenge for new graduates. He came into the "real world" with limited work experience in a competitive job market. What he did have, however, was the drive to make something happen.

“If I had no intention of going to school and I didn’t have the drive to get that job," Sebastian said, "I think it would have been really hard. Ultimately, I think the person that is applying to it, that’s using the resources, it’s their job to make sure that they complete the program."

With that determination, RTW and the help of the team at The Alamo Colleges District, Sebastian earned three I.T. industry-recognized credentials. He used those credentials and the personalized coaching that come with the program to help him sharpen his job search strategy and better align his applications with in-demand roles.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity the program provided," Sebastian added, "and I truly do not believe I would be where I am today without it. I highly recommend SA Ready to Work to anyone who is eligible and willing to put in the effort.”

Today, Sebastian is beginning his young career as a Systems Administrator at a local bank. He is excited to begin his career with a great salary, and his story is proof of how each participant and their RTW support system is making a change in our city.

Dashboard Snapshot

Return on Investment Study

A new Return on Investment (ROI) study highlights the impact of the voter-approved San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW) training and education program, revealing $11.8 billion of projected economic benefits for the local community. Based on outcomes from 11,592 participants and 4,069 training graduates through October 2025, the study provides a clear and data-driven picture of how this initiative is working for all of San Antonio by providing long-term career opportunities that are changing lives and strengthening the local economy.

The study examines the ROI for every dollar spent and is broken into three categories:

1. $7.5 billion - Increases in income of Ready to Work participants throughout their careers
2. $3.8 billion - Economic impact of spending derived from the increases in income
3. $497 million - Social savings for those who no longer require support from various social programs

To learn more about the ROI study, click here.

Program, Partner and Employer Teamwork

Many Ways to Help

Behind every participant in training, there’s often a coach helping them navigate the day-to-day challenges that come with staying on track. For many in the RTW program, that support comes from prime partner coaches like Enjoli Page of Restore Education. As a training advisor, Enjoli works closely with participants to keep them focused on their education and moving toward in-demand careers. Lately, rising gas prices have become quite the obstacle.

"They are having to negotiate their needs because the prices of gas have increased," Page said. "If you don't know how you're going to get to school or if you don't know how you're going to put food on the table, it's very hard to focus on your education."

In March, more than half of RTW emergency fund requests made by participants were for transportation assistance. By the end of this month, the number of requests for transportation assistance is expected to nearly double. Enjoli is glad to have some tools in her tool belt to help make sure that each participant feels supported.

"We make sure that those barriers don't stop them from their goals," Enjoli added. "I'm so grateful that I have the means and the opportunity to provide support." 

It's coaches like Enjoli and our Prime Partner teams who support those RTW participants every day. They know each person's situation is unique, and they are there to make sure participants understand they're not alone and only the pathway to success.

Apprenticeship Building America (ABA)

National Apprenticeship Week (April 26 – May 2, 2026) marks the 12th annual nationwide celebration of the power and impact of Registered Apprenticeship programs. The week brings together employers, apprentices, workforce partners, educational institutions, and government agencies to highlight how this proven, industry-driven model strengthens our economy and creates pathways to high-demand, high-wage careers.

In recognition of this important week, the City's Workforce Development Office is proud to host Apprenticeship Fest – Hiring & Resource Fair on April 28 from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the D.R. Semmes Family YMCA at Tri Point (3233 N. St. Mary’s, San Antonio, TX 78212). This event offers job seekers the opportunity to connect directly with leading employers, explore Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, and access valuable workforce resources in one place.

Featured employers include JCB, IBEW Local 60, Accenture, YWCA, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of San Antonio, with more to come. Attendees can take advantage of on-the-spot hiring opportunities, discover earn-while-you-learn career pathways, and build meaningful professional connections.

Bring your resume and come ready to take the next step in your career.

Ready to Work - In the News
 

Upcoming Events

• April 24 - Fiesta San Jacinto Day City Holiday & Closure
• April 28 - ABA Apprenticeship Fest Hiring & Resource Fair
• May 7 - City Council A Session
  • Item on Ready to Work Proposed Budget
  • 9:00 a.m. @ Municipal Plaza Building (114 W. Commerce St.)
• May 19  - Ready to Work Advisory Board Meeting
  • 1:00 p.m. @ Bank of America at Oxbow Building (5th Floor Board Room)
  • 1803 Broadway, San Antonio, TX  78215

To submit content for newsletter consideration, click here.

To submit dates for upcoming events consideration, click here.

Portions of this newsletter were generated with the assistance of AI. It was reviewed and edited by staff to ensure accuracy and adherence to City protocols and ethical standards.