The San Antonio City Council has approved a $5.9 million investment to expand Ready to Work Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) and On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs, reinforcing the city’s commitment to local workforce development and economic mobility.
These employer-led training programs are part of the City’s broader Ready to Work initiative, which aims to close skills gaps, increase earning potential, and help San Antonio businesses hire and retain talent in high-demand industries.
Boosting San Antonio’s Economy Through Employer-Led Training
With IWT and OJT, local employers are empowered to upskill current employees or train new hires for in-demand roles, while employees benefit from higher wages and long-term career growth.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg praised the program’s role in addressing systemic poverty and increasing access to quality employment opportunities.
“Now that we’re well into this journey, I believe we’ll be able to continue providing for a more comprehensive workforce ecosystem in San Antonio,” said Mayor Nirenberg. “The flexibility of Ready to Work allows us to provide thousands of our neighbors with better career opportunities, while ensuring accountability to the voters.”
City Manager Erik Walsh added that the programs reflect the continued success of the Ready to Work initiative over the past three years.
“These programs recognize the importance of investing in local employers, which accelerates job opportunities for San Antonio residents,” Walsh said. “The reimbursement model ensures that participating businesses follow through on their training commitments—accountability we all expect from public initiatives.”
Ready to Work by the Numbers
487 employees trained by 29 San Antonio-based businesses
92% retention rate among trainees
$21.32/hour average wage
75 set companies to train more than 2,500 residents in this new phase
1,366 new hires expected through the OJT program over the next 18 months
Local Businesses Applaud the Impact
At the council meeting, local business leaders highlighted how Ready to Work transforms their companies and workforce.
George “Chip” Saliba, owner of George Plumbing, shared how technological advancements have reshaped the plumbing industry.
“Plumbing has become more technology-driven,” said Saliba. “Through the Incumbent Worker Training program, our employees now see themselves as skilled technicians—not just task-doers.”
Tyler Schroeder, Senior Manager of Government Operations at Boeing, emphasized the program’s long-term benefits for creating job pathways.
“The IWT program will help us accelerate upskilling and upward mobility within our company,” Schroeder said. “More importantly, it creates opportunities for new entry-level workers in San Antonio to break into a positive economic cycle.”
A Model for Workforce Development in Texas
With continued public and private sector collaboration, San Antonio’s Ready to Work initiative sets the bar for workforce development programs across Texas.
Employers and job seekers can learn more and get involved at https://readytoworksa.com
