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Programs

Ready to Work

Ready to Work (RTW) is an innovative program that combines English Language proficiency, digital literacy and job skills development to prepare students to enter or advance in the workforce. Unlike more traditional English language programs, RTW teaches basic internet skills and directly connects students with potential employers. Since 2015, 270 immigrant and refugee job seekers have participated in the program, with many of the participants obtaining jobs and continuing on to higher English-Language level classes.  

Download the 2019 flyer about RTW:

Amharic  |  English  |  Somali  |  Spanish  

Ready to Work

Program Partners

  • The Seattle Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs 
  • Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS)
  • Literacy Source
  • Somali Community Services

Other Ready-to-Work Partners

  • Seattle Housing Authority
  • Seattle Goodwill
  • Neighborhood House & City of Seattle Human Services Department (HSD)
  • One America
  • Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance
  • Office of Economic Development (OED)
  • Workforce Development Council (WDC)
  • Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI) 
  • Port Jobs
  • Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges
  • City of Seattle Priority Hire Advisory Committee
  • City of Seattle Department of Information Tech
  • Seattle Adult Literacy Coalition
  • Seattle Public Library
  • Seattle Parks Department

Cultivating Key Relationships with Potential Employers

Students in the Ready to Work program have visited the following businesses as part of their classes.

  • Airport Service: Airport Jobs
  • Apparel Manufacturing/Sewing: MUSES Fashion Conscious Studio (i.e. Filson)
  • Building Services: University of Washington and The Seattle Center
  • Construction Industry: Seattle Pre-Apprentice Programs and City of Seattle: Labor Equity Team (bridging to Pre-Apprenticeship)
  • Early Learning/Child Care: Child Care Resources and Seattle Colleges
  • Healthcare: Labor Management Partnerships (Acute Care, Long-Term and Home Care)
  • Retail: PCC Natural Markets and Nordstrom’s
  • Seattle College Higher Level ESL, Occupational ESL, and IBEST Programs
  • Seattle Jobs Initiative Career Pathways and Goodwill Vocation Training Programs
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