From the desk of Mike Ramsey: Listening to you for a better understanding

As an educator who spent many years in the classroom, this time of year is always special. Back to school is full of excitement for the kids from kinder to college, but it is also a time of change, challenge and growth for parents. In the world of workforce development, there isn't a better time than the start of school for adults to think about their own education and career field. For some, it's a chance to get back into the swing of things at the office and start new projects. For others, it might be a chance to re-evaluate their path, which might include the possibility to train for a better-paying, higher-quality job! That's where Ready to Work (RTW) comes in. Our network of partners - Alamo Colleges, Project QUEST, Restore Education, Workforce Solutions Alamo, Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, and Hallmark University - are equipped to help folks pick an occupation within RTW's eight target industries. That includes assisting them in enrolling them in a training program, coaching them throughout the journey, helping them with job applications and preparing for interviews, and ultimately placing them in a new job soon after graduation. These partnerships are purposeful and intended to utilize the decades of expertise they have to help San Antonio residents and military-connected people of Bexar County obtain a better quality of life through workforce development.

Here at RTW, we're also listening to our participants, past and present. We launched a series of listening sessions to gauge where we are as a program from a participant perspective. During our first listening session in July, we invited dozens of people to an engaging evening of feedback, stories, and ideas to make RTW even better. What we found out was that RTW is indeed making a difference in our community. Each participant who shared their story said that they have found a new purpose through their training and education. They explained how their new career choice has put them in a position to provide for their children in a way they didn't expect. This is life-changing for our participants.

We also learned about ways in which we can improve. Some of the respondents said that they would like to communicate more with their case manager or coaches. Some indicated that they did not know which training path would be best for them. Whether it is someone who needs additional support, guidance on choosing a training program, support in preparing a resume or for an interview, we have the resources in place.

It's a matter of meeting our participants where they are, and that is what we'll continue to strive to do - listen, learn, and make RTW better every step of the way. Be safe and enjoy the new school year!

-Mike

Survey Says

Respondents are experiencing positive results with RTW

The RTW recently polled other participants on a number of different topics from overall satisfaction to whether they were placed in a quality job. Survey feedback shows that Ready to Work participants are having largely positive experiences with the program. Nearly three out of four respondents (74%) agreed or felt neutral that their overall experience was a good one, and even more (79%) said they would recommend Ready to Work to friends or family. An overwhelming majority (91%) shared that they were treated with courtesy and respect throughout their journey, highlighting the program’s supportive environment.

Responsiveness was also a strong point, with 76% of participants reporting that their case manager met their needs. Finally, nearly 3/4 of respondents expressed satisfaction or neutrality with the career industry they chose, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges of long-term career growth.

Participant Spotlight

Annette Mancha - Juggling family and obligations while pursuing a dream

Annette Mancha is proud to be employed by Pathology Reference Laboratory after completing her training program at the Alamo Colleges with an Associate of Applied Arts in Histological Technician.

Mancha recently graduated from Restore Education during the RTW partner's summer graduation ceremony. She joined the program in 2023, initially connecting with the Restore to receive support with college enrollment and academic advising. It's during this time she learned about RTW and all that it has to offer.

Mancha eagerly applied and was accepted, gaining access to case management services in order to further explore her educational journey. But this mom had to balance multiple things at once, from being a mother, wife, employee, and student. It's because of her dedication and perseverance that she succeeded and graduated with her degree from St. Philip's College.

Now working at her job full time, she's already exploring her next steps, which includes either pursuing a Bachelor's Degree or taking the American Society for Clinical Pathology certification exam. Both would provide excellent opportunities  for Mancha going forward. Her case management team at Restore Education say that her journey is an inspiring example of how determination, support, and educational opportunity can lead to life-changing success.

Congratulations, Annette!

Partner Spotlight

Family Service - "This is a team effort" with collaboration the cornerstone of success

Family Service has been serving the San Antonio community since 1903. That longstanding commitment to local residents is what makes Family Service, the oldest human service agency in San Antonio, the perfect RTW partner to help train and educate people for quality jobs.

Family Service's economic stability department director, Kim Arispe, views the partnership between Family Service and the rest of the RTW network as a true collaboration that will create the best possible outcome for residents who take the leap of faith to train for new jobs. For someone who doesn't complete the program, it isn't about the demands of the coursework, she said, but instead longstanding unresolved barriers like poverty, trauma, self-doubt, anxiety or substance use that keep people from reaching their goals. That's why Arispe believes it is so important to work closely with each participant to help them reach their full potential.

"One proven method of restoring equity in the workforce development system, and ensuring low income adults are proportionately represented among graduates, is to offer individualized support, such as person-centered case management, counseling, substance use treatment, one-to-one tutoring, and financial empowerment," she said.

As for Family Service's ultimate goal, is to use a trauma-informed approach to move low-to-moderate income families out of poverty and into long-term financial stability and sustainability. The programs at Family Service use a strategy to promote financial health, asset accumulation, increased educational skills attainment, and stabilized income support. Participants can then take on training and education pathways to allow them to access employment in high wage, high demand industries and long-term career growth. 

"One area of opportunity in our city is in the construction trades," Arispe said. "Trades are in demand occupations that provide quality employment. Popular programs include Window Wood Restoration/Traditional Carpentry, Pre-Electrical and Pre-Plumbing Apprenticeships."

Outreach, social media, and word of mouth are helping more people become aware of Family Service and RTW. Be a part of that outreach and tell friends and family about the programs, and they can continue the momentum by telling their own friends, colleagues and associates.

Arispe says the true definition of success in her eyes is "completion and employment in a quality job." That is happening every single day at RTW and the partner agencies. It will continue to grow to help many more residents in San Antonio.

Employer Spotlight - San Antonio ISD

SAISD's "Familia" has a place for RTW graduates

As the longest-serving public school system in San Antonio and one of the 15th largest school districts in the state of Texas, leaders at San Antonio ISD (SAISD) know a thing or two about the benefits of good employees. Recruitment efforts have never been stronger to attract talent to fill vacancies at the district's central office and nearly 100 campuses.

SAISD took the RTW pledge to help build on its strong workforce. Human Capital Management's Adrian Reyna says RTW aligns with SAISD's commitment to have fully staffed schools and high quality instructional and support staff.

But SAISD is going the extra mile to encourage as many folks as possible to train for available jobs at the district.

"While we have been involved in RTW helping to fill our transportation, facilities, and other positions, our most recent example is that we are launching a pipeline for Instructional Assistant and other degreed candidates to become certified teachers," Reyna said. "This has the potential to double their income in less than one year!"

That's just another way SAISD is recruiting and using the resources available through RTW. SAISD looks for someone who demonstrates integrity and determination to Always Model core values, a relentless passion to Always Achieve results and an unwavering commitment to Always Grow through continuous improvement, said Reyna.

Reyna says some of the near-term approved jobs that SAISD is seeking include:

• Teacher (Critical Need Areas: Special Education and Bilingual)
• Instructional Assistant
• Bus Driver
• HVAC and other Skilled Trades

"Our hope is that we are able to find more great people to build the best public school system in Texas that strengthens and reflects our community," Reyna said. "We look forward to continuing to grow our Familia through our partnership with RTW."

Apprenticeship Building America

Spotlight: Solid Waste CDL Driver Apprenticeship

The City of San Anotnio's Solid Waste Management Department, in partnership with the City's Ready to Work program, is offering a no-cost pathway to a Commercial Driver License (CDL) and a stable, well-paid career in public service.

Through this 18-week,k hands-on apprenticeship, funded in part through RTW, participants log 720 hours of real-world training alongside experienced drivers. You'll learn to operate collection vehicles safely, master route operations, and provide excellent customer service all while earning a paycheck.

Why it matters:

• CDL traiing at no cost to you
• Paid, on-the-job experience with City benefits upon hire
• Direct support from RTW career coaches, who help with applications, training milestones, and next-step planning
• High demand for skilled drivers - there are hundreds of positions to fill each year
• A career that keeps San Antonio clean, safe, and sustainable

Eligibility basics:

• San Antonio residency and RTW program eligibility
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Class C Texas driver's license
• Commitment to complete the program and meet physical requirements

Next step: Apply through the City of San Antonio CDL Driver Apprenticeship Program or connect with a RTW career coach at SanAntonio.gov/ReadyToWork to get started. Your route to a new career could start behind the wheel with RTW helping you drive it forward!

Ready to Work Snapshot - In the Community
Coming together to prep families for the new school year

It's back to school time! Our partners were out in full force with many other community organizations to help get kids - and parents - ready for the start of school! Spurs Sports and Entertainment hosted a back to school resource fair for families at the Frost Bank Center (pictured). 

While kids got the chance to meet the Spurs Coyote, organizations like the American Heart Association, Community First Health Plans, the City of San Antonio's Parks and Recreation Department, and UT Health San Antonio were on hand to meet with moms, dads, and kids alike to equip them for the new school year.

RTW's team was on hand to talk to parents about the great benefits of starting a new journey as well: training and education that will lead to a better-paying, higher-quality job! Teams across the RTW network were out and about at fairs just like this across San Antonio this August, passing out materials and goodies to spread the word about the industries and occupations that RTW offers.

Upcoming Events

If you are interested in submitting content to our newsletter, or if you have an event you'd like us to publish in our newsletter, please email Ryan.Loyd@sanantonio.gov or rtw.help@sanantonio.gov.