San Antonio Ready to Work Surpasses 4,000 Job Placements, Boosting Local Wages by $130 Million Annually
For thousands of families across San Antonio, a better-paying career is no longer a distant goal — it’s becoming reality.
The San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW) program has now surpassed 4,000 approved job placements, marking a significant milestone in the city’s workforce development efforts. On average, participants have increased their annual salary by more than $33,000 compared to when they first began training or education through the program. Altogether, that translates into more than $130 million in additional wages flowing into San Antonio households each year.
For residents wondering whether workforce training programs truly change lives, these numbers offer a clear answer.
Record Momentum in 2025
The program maintained strong momentum throughout 2025, with more than 1,800 participants completing training and securing careers paying an average of more than $45,000 annually. In just the last four months alone, over 1,000 job placements were approved — a sign that employer demand for skilled, job-ready talent remains high across the region.
San Antonio Ready to Work connects residents to training and education in high-demand industries such as healthcare, technology, construction, skilled trades, business, and more — sectors that are central to San Antonio’s economic growth.
“This program is one-of-a-kind, and we are really starting to see its full potential with over 1,000 job placements in just the last four months,” Workforce Development Office Executive Director Mike Ramsey said. “When participants have access to tuition support and wraparound assistance such as childcare, transportation, coaching, and emergency funds, they are able to get past some of the obstacles that have kept them from having access to these types of in-demand jobs.”
A Program Designed Around Real Life
For many participants, Ready to Work is more than job training — it’s stability.
“All I wanted to do is inspire my kids to do something better,” RTW participant and mother of four Maria Jimenez said. “There are people out there that want to help and there are programs there that actually help.”
The program provides tuition assistance — with more than $110 million allocated — along with personalized coaching and support services that address real-world barriers. Participants receive help with childcare, transportation, resume building, interview preparation, and even emergency funding for needs such as rent, utilities, daycare, food, internet access, and legal assistance related to employment.
Ready to Work coaches guide participants from start to finish — assessing skills and interests, developing career plans, enrolling them in approved courses, and helping them secure and retain employment.
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Employers See the Impact
The impact extends beyond individual families. According to local studies, employers consistently report that finding qualified, job-ready talent is their top challenge. Ready to Work is helping fill that gap.
More than 1,745 employers of all sizes have hired from the program, strengthening San Antonio’s workforce pipeline.
“Our collaboration with San Antonio’s Ready to Work program has connected us with exceptional local talent and strengthened our growing team,” said Guidehouse President John Saad. “The program is creating opportunity by preparing motivated professionals across the public and commercial sectors with the skills to succeed, many of whom now support our work across healthcare as we expand into financial services and technology. We’re proud to help build a stronger regional workforce and long-term economic impact.”
Community partners serving participants include Project Quest, Restore Education, Alamo Colleges District, Workforce Solutions Alamo, Goodwill Industries, and Hallmark University — organizations that play a central role in delivering training and support across San Antonio.
Who Is Eligible for San Antonio Ready to Work?
San Antonio residents often ask: Who qualifies for Ready to Work?
Eligibility requirements include:
- At least 18 years of age
- Residence within San Antonio city limits (municipalities such as Balcones Heights and Leon Valley are not eligible), unless connected with the military
- If living in Bexar County, military members or family members may qualify
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Income at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines (currently less than $39,900 for an individual or $82,500 for a household of four)
- Willingness to commit to training for a career
Individuals who already hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher may apply for industry-recognized credential programs but are not eligible for tuition funding for additional degree-based programs.
Residents can apply online, call 3-1-1, or visit a Ready to Work partner agency.
Training Pathways Available
San Antonio Ready to Work offers multiple education and career pathways:
- High-school equivalency (GED or diploma)
- Certification programs that can be completed in as little as six weeks
- Associate degree programs in target industries
- Bachelor’s degree completion for those with at least 30 college credit hours
Certification pathways include technology, healthcare, construction, trades, business, and other in-demand fields aligned with San Antonio’s labor market needs.
The program also helps participants build profiles on WorkInTexas.com, improve soft skills, understand employer benefits, and plan finances — ensuring long-term career sustainability.
What Makes Ready to Work Different?
City leaders describe Ready to Work as unprecedented in scope. No other city in the nation is supporting residents with this level of coordinated tuition assistance, employer pledges, and community-based support services.
The program’s public dashboard provides transparency into progress, outcomes, and financial investment — a feature that continues to build public trust and accountability.
For families across San Antonio, the milestone of 4,000 job placements represents more than a statistic. It represents parents earning higher wages, households gaining financial stability, and employers finding skilled local talent.
Residents interested in learning more about eligibility, training options, or frequently asked questions can visit the official San Antonio Ready to Work website.
As the program continues to expand in 2026, its impact on economic mobility, workforce development, and family stability in San Antonio remains a story worth watching.
Stay connected for continued coverage of San Antonio workforce initiatives and community development updates.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.