Start your apprenticeship journey

Certified pre-apprenticeship training is the first step toward a career in the union skilled trades. The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership | Building Industry Group Skilled Trades Employment Program (WRTP | BIG STEP) connects you to no-cost training, hands-on experiences, union partners, and employer networks that help you find success in the trades.

Find an Employer & Registered Apprenticeship

After graduating and receiving your letter of eligibility, start your apprenticeship with hiring employers.

Career in the Trades

You Are Here

Join a Union & Apply for a Trade Career

Learn about trade job duties and choose from 17 skilled trades unions based on your interests.

WRTP | BIG STEP Certified Pre-Apprenticeship

Learn basic hands-on skills and gain connections to launch a well-paying career in the skilled trades.

WRTP | BIG STEP

Start your apprenticeship journey

Certified pre-apprenticeship training is the first step toward a career in the union skilled trades. The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership | Building Industry Group Skilled Trades Employment Program (WRTP | BIG STEP) connects you to no-cost training, hands-on experiences, union partners, and employer networks that help you find success in the trades.

You Are Here

WRTP | BIG STEP Certified Pre-Apprenticeship

Learn basic hands-on skills and gain connections to launch a well-paying career in the skilled trades.

Join a Union & Apply for a Trade Career

Learn about trade job duties and choose from 17 skilled trades unions based on your interests.

Find an Employer & Registered Apprenticeship

After graduating and receiving your letter of eligibility, start your apprenticeship with hiring employers.

Career in the
Trades

Careers are built here.

See how others got started in the trades or share your own success story.

Read Success Stories
0

Individuals served in 2025

0%

Identified as people of color

0

Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Graduates in 2025

WRTP | BIG STEP

Individuals

“WRTP | BIG STEP will educate you, give you the necessary connections, and help you get into the trades that interest you. I believe everybody should look into the trades as a career.”

Gabriel Gniot
2022 ELCS/MC3 Training Graduate

WRTP | BIG STEP

Employers

“The individuals working through the certified pre-apprenticeship process are earning credentials that are valuable to us as a contractor. It makes it easier for them to transition into the industry. They’re a lot more prepared.”

DANIEL WEBSTER
DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT WALBEC GROUP

Partners

“As a workforce intermediary, WRTP | BIG STEP is already convening Wisconsin’s unions, employers, and community-based organizations to take an inclusive and equitable approach to careers in clean energy.”

Michael Bruening
Assistant Business Manager, IBEW Local 2150

WRTP | BIG STEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider.
If you need this information or printed material in an alternate format, or in a different language at no cost to you, please contact us at (414) 342-9787.
Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired callers can contact us through Wisconsin Relay Service at 7-1-1.