WRTP | BIG STEP’s 2025 Impact Report highlights a year of growth and meaningful strides in its mission to develop a more diverse, qualified workforce. In 2025, the organization celebrated 50 years since the inception of BIG STEP, expanded its programming statewide, and renovated the Milwaukee Training Center.
This growth was underscored by significant milestones, including the graduation of WRTP | BIG STEP’s first She Drives the Future cohort, 315 individuals placed in family-supporting careers, success stories from graduates, and recognition from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, which reported that nearly 70% of all certified pre-apprenticeship graduates completed their program at WRTP | BIG STEP.
These achievements serve as stepping stones as the organization continues its work to build pathways to family-supporting careers. Pave Your Path Program graduate, Jaton Mitchell, states, “WRTP | BIG STEP completely changed the direction of my life. Because of the training and support I received, I was able to join Local 314 as a carpenter and start building a lifelong career. I now have stability, purpose, and a future I’m working toward every day.”
