2025
WRTP | BIG STEP expands into northern Wisconsin, marking the start of serving communities statewide.
WRTP | Big Step President & CEO Lindsay Blumer Named Wisconsin Titan 100 for Second Year in a Row
MILWAUKEE, WI (October 27, 2025) —Lindsay Blumer, president and CEO of WRTP | BIG STEP, has been selected as a Wisconsin Titan 100 for the second year in a row. The Titan 100 program recognizes 100 Wisconsin CEOs and C-level executives who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision and passion. “I’m honored to receive a 2026
Leveling Up Construction Experience: Russell Pawelko
Despite having prior experience in construction, Russell Pawelko was looking for additional knowledge to level up from working a job to starting a career. While on probation, Russell’s parole officer recommended WRTP | BIG STEP and the union trades. Russell came to our Racine office and learned about what the unions had to offer.
Tapping Into Potential: Jakori Jones
WRTP | BIG STEP’s Entry-Level Construction Skills certified pre-apprenticeship training provides credentials and hands-on experience to connect individuals to careers in construction. In partnership with Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), this incentivized program focuses on the water and sewer sector, preparing participants for apprenticeships in the trades with
Milwaukee Training Center Naming, Renovation Honors Wisconsin’s First Black Apprentice
Milwaukee Training Center Naming, Renovation Honors Wisconsin’s First Black Apprentice $1.5 million renovation of WRTP | BIG STEP’s Milwaukee office unveiled at 50th anniversary gala MILWAUKEE, WIS. (10/1/2025) — The Milwaukee training center for the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership | Building Industry Group Skilled Trade Employment Program (WRTP | BIG STEP) has a new
Celebrating 50 years of BIG STEP
Celebrating 50 years is no small feat, and we are eternally grateful for our partners, collaborators, and sponsors. Thanks to our staff, participants, government officials, union partners, employers, CBOs, and supporters, we have been able to reach an incredible number of people across Wisconsin in our mission to introduce the trades as a valuable
Preparing For A Fulfilling Career: Gregory Powell
Hear how the Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) Program in Racine, WI, helped Gregory step into a career in the skilled trades. WRTP | BIG STEP and our partners are providing individuals with the skills and training they need to meet the expectations of employers for family-sustaining careers.
The $10 Million Workforce Experiment That Could Redefine Apprenticeships in America
As originally published by The TechEd Podcast. Workforce systems are often fragmented—built around short-term funding, disconnected programs, and a lack of coordination between industry, education, and community. But a different model is taking shape—one that’s not only working in practice, but has the potential to scale across states and regions. In this episode of The
WUWM 89.7 FM – Wisconsin apprenticeship program participation reached a record high in 2024, report finds
WUWM 89.7 FM - Wisconsin apprenticeship program participation reached a record high in 2024, report finds WUWM 89.7 FM Lake Effect’s Joy Powers spoke with Joe Peterangelo, research director for the Wisconsin Policy Forum, about the recent report on Wisconsin’s apprenticeships and preparation of skilled workers. WRTP | BIG STEP provided data regarding pre-apprenticeship
Mastering Apprenticeships
Wisconsin’s efforts to prepare skilled workers With labor shortages reported in Wisconsin across many industries, it is encouraging that participation in the state’s apprenticeship programs is at a record high. Newer apprenticeship programs in several high-demand health care occupations also appear promising for expansion. Gains could also be made by strengthening connections between youth and