Ready to Work Program

Register for Ready to Work Program

The Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) funds and partners with five community organizations to host the Ready to Work (RTW) program. RTW is an English for Employment program that addresses educational and employment disparities among low-income immigrants and refugees living in Seattle. RTW targets numerous challenges encountered by vulnerable and historically disadvantaged communities, including significant barriers to employment, such as limited education attainment in their native country and lack of familiarity with the job search process in the United States. Through targeted efforts in English language proficiency, digital and financial literacy, and comprehensive career development and job placement services, the program empowers individuals to mitigate the effects of these challenges, improving their economic prospects.  

Ready to Work was created in 2015 as an innovative prototype model for English language acquisition and employment. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Skills Coalition highlighted Ready to Work as a national best practice model on how to leverage workforce funding to support immigrant integration in the labor force. Participants from the program have moved on to full-time jobs and/or advanced English-language level classes at community colleges.  

RTW program activities include:

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes for Levels 1-4 (online and in-person) with integrated digital literacy skill building   
• Case management and navigation services    
• Career exploration, career and educational planning, job readiness, and job placement    
• Opportunities for digital device usage, including access to laptops and Wi-Fi   

RTW Eligibility:

• Must be at least 18 years old 
• Live within the boundaries of the city of Seattle 
• Have an income at 80% or less of Seattle’s area median rental income 
• Register for OIRA’s Ready to Work program

Register for OIRA’s Ready to Work program

Ready to Work Classroom Locations 

South Seattle: Asian Counseling Referral Services

North Seattle: Literacy Source

West Seattle: Neighborhood House

New Report Offers Pathway to Strengthen Workforce Development in Seattle and Region 

In October 2024, OIRA published the Regional Partnerships for Immigrant Integration and Workforce Development in the City of Seattle and King County report, researched and written by Glenn Scott Davis with Progressive Workforce Strategies. We set out to better understand the workforce development landscape and challenges we all face and to provide a comprehensive resource to help policymakers and stakeholders in our region craft tailored strategies to enhance our support programs, policies, and engagement efforts specifically for immigrants, refugees, and migrants. The goal is to improve workforce conditions and enhance economic stability for all residents, regardless of immigrant or U.S.-born status.

In October 2024, OIRA hosted an event at Seattle City Hall to celebrate the accomplishments of the RTW program and launch this report. Over 70 guests joined us from the region-wide workforce development industry, immigrant and refugee communities, and local social services. Watch a short video highlighting our event below.