Everybody wants an 'upgrade,' and the City of San Antonio's Education Partnership has one that could raise the standard of living for one in four adults in Bexar County, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The new 'Upgrade' program seeks to help adults who have some college but no degree or certificate to go back to school and get the training they need to compete in today's job market.
"Together we will help adults who have some college but no degree upgrade themselves to where they have an associates, bachelors, or even a master's degree," Mayor Ivy Taylor said.
The statistics are startling. For every two jobs posted in health care one person has the necessary qualifications. For every ten jobs posted in information technology, only one person has the necessary qualifications.
In addition, in traditional industries like manufacturing and automotive, a large number of workers will be retiring in the coming years, leading to the need for skilled people to replace them.
"Many of our residents lack the higher education and skills that are needed to take these jobs, and as such are at a disadvantage when it comes to talent from other communities," she said.
Project Upgrade will use teams of advisers to help adult learners assemble credits, connect to career pathways, and accelerate toward a degree or certificate in a demand areas.
Alamo Colleges, Incarnate Word, Western Governor's University, and A&M San Antoio have all signed onto the program, with others expected to join.
Economic development officials have been concerned that, with unemployment at low levels in San Antonio, employers will decide to locate good paying jobs elsewhere simply because they are afraid they won't be able to find qualified workers in San Antonio.
IMAGE' GETTY