Five years after COPS/Metro proposed, championed, and won voter approval for SA Ready to Work, one of the nation's largest municipal workforce development initiatives, the organization continues to work with the City of San Antonio, Ready to Work staff, and working families to ensure the program is delivering results.
In partnership with the City of San Antonio Workforce Development Office, COPS/Metro organized a Ready to Work Training Summit, training over 100 workforce professionals, case managers, community partners, and employers on the Ready to Work model. The model is based on Project QUEST, the nationally-recognized workforce development program also created by COPS/Metro that has helped thousands of San Antonians secure family-sustaining careers.
The summit featured workforce development expert and MIT Professor Paul Osterman, who shared national best practices and emphasized the importance of employer engagement, technical assistance, and expanding economic opportunity for all residents. Staff from Project QUEST also provided coaching on outreach, recruitment, and job placement strategies.
Participants shared best practices and challenges and identified solutions to strengthen services for Ready to Work participants across San Antonio. The gathering also celebrated major program milestones:
- More than 5,000 Ready to Work participants have graduated and achieved full employment.
- Participants increased their annual earnings by an average of $33,500 after completing training or education.
- Program graduates are projected to generate an estimated $11.8 billion economic impact for San Antonio while filling critical, in-demand jobs.
As Ready to Work enters its next phase, COPS/Metro remains committed to ensuring the program delivers on its promise to expand opportunity, strengthen families, and build a more prosperous San Antonio.
[Photo Credit: Ready to Work]