From the Desk of Mike Ramsey:

Not Slowing Down in 2026

As I look back on last year, I feel proud of what we have built together. 2025 was a banner year for Ready to Work with more than 1,800 participants moved into new jobs, new careers, and new confidence. That happened because participants showed up, employers opened doors, and our partners stayed focused on results.

This year is already shaping up to be even bigger. Reaching 3,600 total placements this month proves that we are not slowing down. As we continue into 2026, the energy is high, the demand for talent is real, and the opportunity for our city keeps growing.

As nice as it is to see the numbers on paper, we all need to remember that these are real people. People that took a leap of faith to better themselves and their situations with the help of this amazing program.

I am excited for what comes next. We will be more focused on the training and occupations that are aligned to real jobs, focused on employers that are ready to find the talent they need, and focused on helping more residents earn wages that support them and their families.

To keep this momentum going, we need everyone to keep hiring, keep training, keep learning, and keep spreading the word. When we move together, San Antonio wins.

Thank you for being part of this work. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish in 2026.

Participant Spotlight

Karen Riojas Tovar - Inspired to Care

Karen’s journey into healthcare began close to home. While caring for her grandfather, she discovered a passion for helping others during their most vulnerable moments. That experience didn’t just shape her future, but it confirmed it. Inspired by the impact she was making for her family, Karen decided to pursue a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

From the start, Karen’s compassion, dependability, and ability to build trust stood out. These qualities made the CNA role a natural fit and helped her thrive throughout the program. She demonstrated that dedication with perfect attendance and strong academic results during her career training at Goodwill San Antonio.

Karen’s hard work paid off. After completing the program, she accepted a position at San Antonio West Nursing and Rehabilitation, where she now puts her skills and heart into caring for patients every day.

Driven by a genuine desire to meet patients’ needs, Karen is committed to being present during life’s most challenging moments. Her success reflects not only her determination, but also the strength of a program designed to prepare caring, skilled professionals who are Ready to Work and make a difference in their communities.

Dashboard Snapshot

Job Placement

The average time it takes for a RTW participant get an approved job after finishing his/her training or education is 72 days. The goal is, and always has been, to get participants in those high-demand jobs as quickly as possible. When participants are quickly placed into approved jobs, it helps the participant that needs a job, the employer with a hiring need, and everyone in our city that relies on those services.

News for Employers

Understanding the Importance of a Local Workforce

When it comes to the San Antonio Ready to Work program, employers are critical to the program's success. Placing local residents into higher-paying jobs relies on businesses that are willing to find creative ways to fill their open positions. JCB, a manufacturer of construction equipment, is an example of a company that sees the positive impact and potential RTW can have.

"Businesses are looking for people that are not going to surf around a job but are looking for long-term employment," JCB Operations Director David Carver said. "So, I think that's one of the real benefits I hear from people who have used the program previously."

JCB North America is currently constructing its $500 million manufacturing facility that is expected to create 1,500 jobs right here in San Antonio. Carver says that although JCB is an international company, it is important to have local people that want to be in San Antonio and with the company for a long time.

"Long-term employment for us is really important," Carver said. "They join from the program and they become really loyal employees who become long-term employees, and I think that's what most businesses are looking for."

Carver says he sees the potential of the Ready to Work program not just for a big business like his, but for businesses of all sizes in the Alamo City.

For employers that might be interested in taking the Ready to Work pledge, click the link below.

Apprenticeship Building America (ABA)

UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Introducing Fast-Track Fridays at VIA

VIA Metropolitan Transit is launching Fast-Track Fridays, a weekly in-person hiring event for bus operator applicants that began the week of January 5.

Bus operator applicants can apply, interview, and receive a contingent job offer in one visit.

Every Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 1021 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX
💲 $23.23/hour + $4,000 first-year hiring bonus
🚶 Walk-ins welcome

If you or someone you know is ready to move into a stable, meaningful career serving the San Antonio community, this is the event for you. 

If you also know of anyone that is interested in gaining their Commercial Driver's License (CDL), they can get more information at ReadytoWorkSA.com.

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