From the Desk of Mike Ramsey:

May Flowers

As the saying goes, if April showers bring May flowers, then San Antonio Ready to Work is certainly in full bloom. This month, we are celebrating important milestones, inspiring participant success stories and growing recognition for the impact this program is making across our community.

From surpassing 5,000 careers earned to seeing participants featured for their determination and achievements, the positive attention surrounding RTW reflects the dedication of so many people working together to create opportunity. We are also proud to see growing conversations around the future of workforce development, including how artificial intelligence and employer partnerships can help prepare participants for tomorrow’s jobs.

Just as important, we continue listening and learning. Recent participant listening sessions and our partner training summit created meaningful opportunities to gather feedback, share best practices and strengthen the experience for everyone connected to the program.

None of this progress happens alone. It takes committed participants, trusted partners, employers, staff and community supporters all working toward the same goal. We are truly working for ALL of San Antonio. Thank you for helping RTW continue to grow, evolve and deliver results for San Antonio.

Participant Spotlight

Chenise Cook Ready to Work in the Classroom

The first week of May included a celebration of teachers with teacher appreciation week, and San Antonio Ready to Work is proud to celebrate participants like Chenise Cook, whose journey into education highlights the power of partnership, opportunity and local talent.

A San Antonio native and Highlands High School graduate, Cook returned home after graduating from the University of Mississippi in 2025 ready to explore opportunities where she could coach and mentor students. That path eventually led her to teaching where she was able to gain support offered through RTW and San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD).

Through the program’s partnership with SAISD and the Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP), Cook received support while earning her certification and gaining classroom experience. Today, she serves as a special education inclusion teacher at Poe Middle School, helping students in grades 6-8 with math and reading.

“It made me feel very secure because from the moment that I started, I felt like the people working there really showed their support and really were there for me,” Cook said.

Cook’s story reflects how Ready to Work and employer partners like SAISD are helping address critical workforce needs while creating meaningful career pathways for local residents.

Read more about Chenise’s journey, here.

Dashboard Snapshot

Progress Continues

The San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW) Program officially surpassed 5,000 approved job placements, marking a major milestone in its mission to connect residents with meaningful careers while strengthening the local economy. The average RTW participant is gaining an average of $33,500 after receiving training or education. That impact is helping local employers fill in-demand roles that will benefit all of San Antonio. Those increased earnings are also projected to bring an $11.8 billion economic impact for our City.

Program, Partner and Employer Teamwork

RTW Training Summit

Strong partnerships and personal support continue to drive the success of RTW. Every day, we are all trying to make sure that this program continues to grow and improve in order to help participants reach their full potential with in-demand careers. 

During a recent training summit hosted by the City of San Antonio Workforce Development Office and Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS) Metro Alliance, more than 100 attendees came together to share ideas, strengthen connections, and focus on ways to better serve participants and employers across the community. The majority of those in attendance were program partners and case managers who help participants stay connected, informed, and supported from enrollment through employment. Their work is instrumental when it comes to the success of participants and the program. 

Workforce development expert and MIT Professor Paul Osterman shared national best practices and highlighted the importance of employer engagement, technical assistance, and creating opportunities for all residents. Staff from Project QUEST also provided coaching and guidance on outreach, recruitment, and job placement strategies. Everyone in the room was able to ask questions, provide feedback, share best practicies and discuss opportunities for the future.

By working together and sharing ideas, partners, employers, coaches, and community leaders can continue building a stronger program that meets the changing needs of participants and the workforce. Open collaboration and ongoing learning help ensure RTW continues to grow, improve, and create lasting opportunities for the future.

On the Horizon

AI is here... How does RTW adapt?

As artificial intelligence continues to shape industries across the country, RTW is exploring how AI-related training could help local workers stay competitive in a changing job market. This program's core mission has always been to help residents earn higher wages and secure sustainable careers. Today, our City leaders, employers and workforce partners aren't waiting. Instead, they are discussing what future AI pathways could look like for participants.

This effort ramped up with a City Council discussion centered on making sure San Antonio workers are not left behind. As AI becomes more common in workplaces, the goal is not simply to add another training option, but to build pathways that match what employers actually need. The program is gathering feedback from more than 500 local employers across multiple industries in order to understand which AI skills, credentials and certifications businesses value most before creating any new training opportunities. 

The conversations that are happening are looking beyond traditional technology jobs. AI is expected to impact office, healthcare, customer service and professional service roles, while also increasing demand for careers in skilled trades, construction and advanced manufacturing that help support AI-related growth. It's also important to note that although many fields are utilizing AI, there are also many areas that are less likely to be replaced by it. Construction, manufacturing and the trades are all areas that are positioned for continued growth and opportunity in the Alamo City. The focus is on helping participants build both AI literacy and long-term career resilience and RTW is providing those options.

Several education and training partners, including local colleges and workforce organizations, have already expressed interest in supporting future efforts. Ready to Work is also speaking with participants directly through listening sessions to better understand their questions, concerns and career goals related to AI. 

For employers, the message is simple: your voice matters. The City wants industry leaders to help guide what training pathways will best prepare San Antonio’s workforce for the future. As discussions continue over the next several months, RTW needs to stay ahead of today's workforce changes that will help create stronger opportunities for both workers and businesses tomorrow.

Workforce Developement Office Executive Director Mike Ramsey spoke to Axios San Antonio about the future of AI within the program, and you can read that article below.

Apprenticeship Building America (ABA)

SAISD Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program

The ABA team played a key role in helping bringing the San Antonio Independent School District's (SAISD) Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program to life. Recently approved by the United States Department of Labor, the program marks a major step forward in creating new and innovative pathways into the teaching profession.

As one of only a handful of programs in Texas and the first of its kind in the San Antonio region, the apprenticeship gives aspiring teachers the chance to earn a paycheck while gaining real classroom experience. Instead of choosing between work and education, participants can build hands-on skills in local classrooms while working toward their teaching certification.

While the ABA grant is scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2026, the Registered Apprenticeship Programs will continue well beyond that date. Thanks to the commitment of employers who see the long-term value of investing in workforce development, these opportunities will continue helping build strong talent pipelines for years to come.

Ready to Work - In the News
 

Upcoming Events

• June 16 - San Antonio Ready to Work Board Subcommittee Meeting
  • 1-3 p.m. @ 1803 Broadway St (5th Floor)
• June 19 - Juneteenth City Holiday & Closure

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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.