San Antonio’s workforce is evolving. Local employers have a unique opportunity to shape its future.

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Through the City’s Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) program, part of the broader Ready to Work initiative and funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, City staff have assisted employers to developed nearly 30 registered apprenticeships program across the region. These programs are helping employers develop skilled talent pipelines while giving residents a direct path into high-demand, well-paying careers.

At its core, apprenticeship is one of the oldest and most effective forms of workforce development. Its philosophy is simple: learn while you earn. Participants gain hands-on experience in real-world settings while receiving a paycheck, eliminating the traditional barrier between education and employment.

While many associate apprenticeships began in the construction and the skilled trades, San Antonio’s ABA program has expanded far beyond those roots. Today, registered apprenticeships span a wide range of industries, including education, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and more. This diversity reflects the growing demand for structured, work-based learning across nearly every sector of the modern economy.

For employers, the benefits are both immediate and long-term.

Registered apprenticeship programs consistently produce higher employee retention rates, as workers trained within a company are more likely to stay and grow with the organization. Employers also benefit from reduced recruitment and onboarding costs, as apprentices develop skills tailored specifically to their business needs. In an increasingly competitive labor market, this “grow your own talent” approach offers a strategic advantage.

The City of San Antonio’s Apprenticeship team works directly with employers to design and implement these programs, providing guidance every step of the way — from initial concept to official registration and beyond. Whether a company is building a program from scratch or enhancing an existing training model, the support is hands-on and customized.

The ABA grant is scheduled to sunset on June 30. While registered apprenticeship programs themselves will continue driven by employers who choose to invest in them.

 Employers who act today can establish apprenticeship programs with the backing of experienced workforce professionals, positioning themselves for long-term success while contributing to the region’s economic growth.

There’s also benefits to employers through ABA’s sister program, San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW). RTW is facilitated by the City of San Antonio’s Workforce Development Office, who partners with six local agencies — Alamo Colleges, Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, Hallmark University, Project QUEST, Restore Education, and Workforce Solutions Alamo — who provide the “boots on the ground” work of signing participants up, managing the cases, providing career coaching, getting participants into their programs, and assisting with resume support and interviewing skills. 

RTW continues to provide a strong pipeline of motivated participants ready to step into these opportunities. Qualified residents can enroll to receive tuition assistance that often covers most, if not all, of their training costs. The program also offers wraparound support services, including childcare assistance and up to $1,500 in emergency funding per participant to help address unexpected challenges such as housing, food, or transportation. These supports remove barriers that often prevent individuals from pursuing career training — making it easier for employers to connect with reliable, prepared talent.

Ready to Work focuses on eight target industries and 58 high-demand occupations, ensuring alignment between training programs and the needs of local employers. The result is a workforce development ecosystem designed not just to fill jobs, but to build sustainable careers.

For San Antonio businesses, the message is clear: workforce development through RTW and registered apprenticeships are no longer just an option; it’s a competitive strategy. By investing in registered apprenticeship programs today, employers can strengthen their workforce, reduce costs, and play a direct role in shaping the city’s economic future.

 With the ABA Grant nearing its conclusion, there has never been a better time to get started. Now is the time to build your workforce and build San Antonio.