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San Antonio Ready to Work Newsletter | October 2025
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From the desk of Mike Ramsey: 3,000 placements and counting!
When the San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW) program began, we believed it would change lives in our city. Now, we are seeing that change happening right in front of our eyes.
This month, RTW reached a new milestone of 3,000 participants placed in an approved job! Miguel Espinoza, featured in this newsletter, says it’s “one of the best things” he’s done. His daughter, who is also in the program, encouraged him to join. Miguel plans to invite his children and grandchildren to his upcoming graduation so they can see how his hard work is paying off. That’s the type of impact this program is having across generations.
Local employers are also benefiting. They’re hiring people with premier training and education, ready to fill in-demand jobs and support our businesses. As the saying goes, it takes a village. Our residents, employers, training providers, schools, community organizations, and workforce agencies are making a real difference.
This is San Antonio at its best—when we invest in people, when we believe in potential, and when we build pathways that change lives.
-Mike
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Actual revenues vs. expenses as of August 2025
RTW remains committed to responsible budgeting and transparent spending. As of August 2025, the program has collected $220 million and invested nearly $83 million to date. On average, program expenses total $6,866 per participant enrolled in training.
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Miguel Espinoza - "It's never too late"
If you want to see the impact that RTW can have on a person, all you have to do is talk to Miguel Espinoza.
Stuck in dead end jobs, Miguel listened to his daughter about the benefits of RTW. He is about to finish his training through St. Philip’s College HVAC Program. He says it’s never too late to jumpstart that career, and he can see the positive possibilities this program is bringing to his life.
Check out Miguel's story that aired on KSAT.
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Hallmark University - Training and transformation for brighter futures in our community
Hallmark University has long been committed to preparing students for their dream careers through personalized job placement. Now, they have expanded that mission even further by becoming one of RTW's newest partners, helping participants enroll in accelerated programs through the City's premier job training and education initiative.
"Through our partnership with Ready to Work, Hallmark University provides students with access to accelerated degree programs and industry-aligned training that lead directly to high-demand careers," said Katrena Plummer, Hallmark's director of Ready to Work. "RTW supports eligible..."
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University Health - Bringing opportunity full circle
Employers like University Health play a big part of the RTW success. At a recent healthcare job fair, University Health, UT Health and Methodist Healthcare connected with RTW participants who are ready to fill in-demand roles.
“We’re getting great people,” University Health Recruiter Priscilla Vega said. “That helps us fill positions quickly so we can get back to patient care.”
San Antonio’s need for workers in the healthcare industry is growing. Vega explained that University Health is expanding with new locations, and this recent job fair is a useful tool to help fill those jobs. The fact that these RTW participants came to the job fair with their training and certifications is a huge benefit.
“The people that are coming in very qualified and have a lot of certifications,” Vega added. “They’re also coming in for some of our more niche positions, so they're going to get filled pretty fast.”
By connecting with qualified candidates, University Health is not only filling jobs but also supporting local growth. It’s these partnerships with employers that are helping more San Antonians find opportunity, stability, and a chance to move forward. Having a pipeline of participants, training partners, and employers is what can help change these people’s lives.
“Partnering up with Ready to Work helps them get a step up and a little more of an advantage,” Vega said. “They can learn about University Health, and see what options are out there.”
To our employer partners, thank you for believing in the mission. You’re not just hiring talent, but you’re helping change lives.
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Apprenticeship Building America (ABA)
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Apprenticeships and the education field = win-win!
The ABA Team partnered with SAISD and Region 20 to participate in the Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Convening, hosted by the Dallas College-Center for Reigniting the Educator Workforce in Dallas, TX.
This initiative is helping expand pathways for aspiring educators to enter the profession through innovative apprenticeship models, ensuring classrooms are staffed with passionate and well-prepared teachers.
Additionally, the ABA Team attended the Texas Workforce Commission Apprenticeship Conference, where they engaged with leaders from across the state to explore innovative approaches for advancing apprenticeship opportunities in Texas.
Apprenticeships continue to be a win–win—providing employers with skilled, work-ready talent and offering participants valuable hands-on experience in high-demand careers.
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Ready to Work Snapshot - In the Community
RTW hits the right note at Jazz'SAlive
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San Antonio Ready to Work joined the fun at this year’s San Antonio 42nd annual Jazz’SAlive festival, connecting with residents through the power of music and community. Among dozens of local vendors, our team had the opportunity to meet festivalgoers, share inspiring success stories, and spread the word about the life-changing job training and education opportunities available through the Ready to Work program.
Between smooth jazz sets and delicious local food, visitors stopped by our booth to learn how Ready to Work can help them gain new skills, earn credentials, and move toward a higher-paying, more fulfilling career. We’re always proud to be part of events that celebrate San Antonio’s vibrant spirit—and to help more residents discover their path to success.
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