Fighting COVID-19 Job Loss

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people across the globe in many ways, and Bexar County has not been spared. 

In an effort to assist those in our community who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, St. Mary’s University began hosting Workforce Development Workshops in partnership with the City of San Antonio and Project Quest, a local non-profit dedicated to helping residents gain quality employment. Since its start in September of 2020, the courses are now offered through SA Ready to Work. Individuals can be recommended by other providers or sign up directly for courses.

Rattler Focus and Rattler Readiness are housed within the Department of Communication Studies and directed by Visiting Professor Kathe Lehman-Meyer. The workshops are designed to provide residents with a jump-start to re-enter the working world at any level. 

How it began

  • Who is eligible? 

    • Lost job or furloughed due to COVID-19 
    • Bexar County resident 
    • 18 years of age
    • H.S. Diploma/GED 
    • U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident/Eligible to work in the U.S. 
    • Commit to working full time for 18 months upon completion of the training program 

  • What will I learn? 

    Some of the skills learned during the workshops include: 

    • Identifying areas of strength and interest 
    • Using modern job search tools like LinkedIn and Indeed 
    • Writing a resume and cover letter 
    • Effective interviewing and non-verbal communication
    • Delivering an “elevator pitch” 

  • Which program is right for me?

    Apply for Rattler Focus if:

    • You need assistance deciding what industry/field to find employment in.
    • You want to explore your strengths and interests to translate them into your future career.
    • You want to determine what educational next steps you need to begin your future career.

    Apply for Rattler Readiness if:

    • You have experience in or know what industry/field you want to be employed in.
    • You want to learn more about job hunting skills.
    • You have completed an educational program and are ready to find a job in that new field.

Upcoming workshops

Rattler Focus

Rattler Focus takes place for three hours per day over three consecutive days. Workshops are held virtually for three days from 9 a.m. to noon. The course is normally offered the Tuesday through Thursday the first week of the month.

Rattler Readiness

Rattler Readiness takes place for three hours per day over five consecutive days. Workshops are held virtually, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The course is typically offered Monday through Friday the second week of the month.

More information to come.

  • How to apply 

    If you are interested in the Rattler Focus or Rattler Readiness program, contact Kathe Lehman-Meyer. If you accepted into the program, you may be referred to a SA Ready to Work selected agency to help offset the cost.

Interested in volunteering? 

Would you like to get involved with the Rattler Focus or Rattler Readiness program? Students, faculty, staff, business owners and other community members are all welcome. Engagement opportunities include helping facilitate the workshops, conducting mock interviews, and even hiring our workshop graduates.

Contact Kathe Lehman-Meyer at 210-436-3503 or klehmanmeyer@stmarytx.edu for more information. 

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