WELCOMEadmin2018-12-19T19:27:20+00:00

HISTORY

WRTP was initially created to renew our traditional industrial base in the Milwaukee area during the 1990s. The recovery of manufacturing, retirement of an aging workforce, and diversification of the regional economy created a growing skills shortage by the end of the decade.

SERVICES

WRTP| BIG STEP is industry-led, worker-centered and community-focused. Our mission is to enhance the ability of private sector organizations to recruit and develop a more diverse, qualified workforce in construction, manufacturing and emerging sectors of the regional economy.

COMMUNITY

Collaboration is a way of life. Developing strong community partnerships enhances our capacity to build a pipeline of skilled, qualified, and diverse candidates for apprenticeships and careers in the construction, industrial, and other emerging sectors throughout our region.

NEWS

WRTP | BIG STEP wants to keep you in the know! Visit any of our social media sites to keep up to date on our events, training programs, and job opportunities available to you.

Industry Led & Worker Centered

Click here to learn more about our services

WRTP | BIG STEP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce intermediary dedicated to connecting people to family-sustaining jobs. Our mission is to enhance the ability of public and private sector organizations to recruit, develop, and retain a more diverse, qualified workforce in construction, manufacturing and emerging sectors of the regional economy.

By being industry led, worker centered, and community focused, WRTP/BIG STEP helps under-employed, under-served, and under-represented individuals succeed in well-paying careers while exceeding industry’s workforce needs.

“Home To Stay” Event

A Resource-Rich Event Dedicated to Supporting Justice-Involved Persons, Returning Citizens and their Families "Home to Stay" is a "one-stop shop" event that brings a broad spectrum [...]

Celebrating Workforce Development Programs in Milwaukee

As reported on fox6now.com, written by Amy Dupont MILWAUKEE -- Governor Tony Evers paid Milwaukee a visit on Monday, Jan. 14 to highlight workforce development programs. [...]

WRTP | BIG STEP Success Series: Jessica Benson

Jessica Benson is not necessarily someone you would think of as a person who would find her love of working in the trades. Before [...]

WHO WE ARE

WRTP | BIG STEP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce intermediary dedicated to connecting people to family-sustaining jobs.

WRTP MISSION

Our mission is to enhance the ability of public and private sector organizations to recruit, develop, and retain a more diverse, qualified workforce in construction, manufacturing and emerging sectors of the regional economy.

WRTP HISTORY

WRTP was initially created to renew our traditional industrial base in the Milwaukee area during the 1990s. The recovery of manufacturing, retirement of an aging workforce, and diversification of the regional economy created a growing skills shortage by the end of the decade. In response to this threat to economic growth and prosperity, we created our successful model of pre-employment training for job seekers to qualify for family-sustaining jobs in the industrial sector.

WHY WE SUCCEED

Supported by public, private, and philanthropic investments, WRTP | BIG STEP’s mission is to assist economically disadvantaged minorities, women, and youth (primarily from the central-city) develop the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the workforce and share in the area economy while ensuring that member companies have the skilled workers needed to prosper and grow in a competitive global economy.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WALBEC GROUP RECRUITMENT EVENT

Jan 22, 2019

In partnership with the Wis DOT, local stakeholders, the WI Fast Forward Grant and the Walbec Group (which is the parent company of Payne and Dolan and Zenith Tech), I am excited to announce the upcoming training opportunity and recruitment date of January 22 for the next Racine class. The Walbec Group will be assisting with recruitment, screening and training and will be sourcing Spring 2019 hires from this training cohort. Class will start 1/28/2019 and will run through 3/8/2019 and will be held Monday-Friday 8 am to 4 pm. The locations for training will vary from the Racine Gateway Campus, Gateway iMET Center and training centers in the area.

Click here for more information

IRONWORKERS RECRUITMENT & INFORMATION SESSION

Jan 23, 2019

WRTP/BIG STEP, in collaboration with the Ironworkers Local 383, are recruiting qualified candidates for the Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program. Please come to the Ironworkers Recruitment and Informational session to learn more about the Ironworkers trade and apprenticeship opportunities within the union. Contractors and union representatives will be present to answer your questions. Applications for the Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program will be available during this session.

Click here for more information