From the Desk of Mike Ramsey: Thank you for a great 2025!

As we wrap up the year, I’m proud of the progress the San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW) program continues to make. This program has helped more than 3,500 participants move into higher-paying jobs. Each number represents a real person who gained new skills, built confidence, and opened the door to a better future.

Our employer partners are seeing the results, too. They tell us our participants arrive ready to work, eager to learn, and committed to growing with their teams. That success is possible because of the strong support of our training and community partners. They help our participants stay on track, complete their programs, and take the next step in their careers.

As we look toward the new year, we see even more opportunity ahead. If you or someone you know is ready for a fresh start, this is the moment to take that “new year, new career” step. In the newsletter below, there are real stories and even a podcast that you can share explaining how RTW is making a difference. Let's all continue to spread the word how this program helps local residents gain skills, connect them with employers, and shape a path that can change their lives.

Thank you to everyone who made this year a success. Together, we will make next year even stronger.

Participant Spotlight

Maria Jimenez - "Always Believe in Yourself"

After putting her dreams on hold, a San Antonio mother of four found a path back to an in-demand career with help of the San Antonio Ready to Work program. Click on the picture below to see and hear Maria’s story and how RTW can open doors to a new career.

Dashboard Snapshot

2025 = Our Best Year Yet

This year, RTW was able to place more than 1,800 people into approved jobs. That's an average of more than five people getting that in-demand job every day. We knew it would take some time, but we are seeing how the RTW program can help San Antonio residents, their families, and businesses thrive.

Add this Podcast Episode to Your Listening List

At La Mesa, everyone is invited to the table.

🎧 Tune in to learn how Ready to Work is opening doors to opportunity, and how you or someone you know can get started in the new year. The City of San Antonio Podcast, La Mesa, is available on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Buzzsprout, and YouTube.

San Antonio Ready to Work Advisory Board

City Council Approves Board Members

On December 11, the San Antonio City Council amended the San Antonio Ready to Work Advisory Board member composition, the Board's term length, and approved Board member appointments.

The updated Board composition will consist of the following 13 appointment seats:

• 4 - Local Employers (in-demand occupations)
• 2 - Current/Previous City Workforce Program Participants
• 1 - Trade and Labor Organization
• 1 - Community Organization
• 2 - Training Provider or Higher Education Institution
• 1 - High Employment Barrier Focused Organization
• 2 - City Council Liaisons

The Board will continue to meet at least quarterly and members will serve a term that runs concurrent with the City Council.

The Board members that were approved by Council are:

• Alexandra Perez (Community Organization)
• Maria Jimena Saenz (Local Employer/In Demand Occupations)
• Jennifer Cantu (Local Employer/In Demand Occupations)
• Stefanie Gains (Local Employer/In Demand Occupations)
• Benjamin Peavy (Local Employer/In Demand Occupations)
• Jerry Graeber (Current/Previous Workforce Participant)
• Amanda Wright (Current/Previous Workforce Participant)
• John Champion (Training/Higher Education Provider)
• Priscilla Aguilar (Training/Higher Education Provider)
• District 1 Dr. Sukh Kaur (Council Liaison)
• District 10 Marc Whyte (Council Liaison)

We want to thank this group for volunteering their time for such an important role within the program.

Partner and Employer Spotlight

Working Together to Prepare Job-Ready Workers

In today's job market, employers can gain a real hiring advantage by clearly defining the skills they need. Those same employers can take an even bigger step forward if they have a partner that can provide the training to help deliver that talent. That's exactly what the RTW Cohort model was made to do.

"When it was presented," SWBC HR Director Erica Arzu said, "I was like this is amazing that we can get candidates in the door that already have skills that we can use."

For SWBC HR Director Erica Arzu, she has to make sure the people her company hires are a good fit. As an employer within the RTW cohort model, SWBC is set up to work with a prime partner to make sure the training provided matches her company needs. For SWBC, they worked with the Alamo Colleges District to make sure the training included specific skills a new employee would need in order to be prepared for the job from day one.

"It just provides for a much smoother transition when you don't have to train up certain skills like customer service," Arzu added.

The Cohort model is just another example of how RTW is helping local employers and residents. Arzu sees the potential positive change it can make for the community.

"Absolutely," Arzu said. "Whenever we are able to be a part of the community and be a presence in the community... it feels good."

Apprenticeship Building America (ABA)

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