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 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
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.
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 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
Source: Wisconsin Policy Forum 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
MILWAUKEE, WIS. (July 30, 2025) — Milwaukee-area jobseekers have a new resource to help them start career pathways in the skilled trades. The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership | Building Industry Group Skilled Trade Employment Program (WRTP | BIG STEP) received a $10,000 grant from the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, the philanthropy arm of O’Reilly Auto
BIG STEP marks its 50th anniversary with a major renovation of its Milwaukee location, dedicating the training floor with a new name: the Vince Toran Training Center.
As originally written by Ethan Duran in The Daily Reporter A week-long summer trades academy for high school students has returned Milwaukee. WRTP | BIG STEP on Monday launched its annual Milwaukee Summer Trades Academy which will introduce roughly 180 Milwaukee area students to construction careers. The five-day academy will run June 23-27 and will
The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership | Building Industry Group Skilled Trade Employment Program (WRTP | BIG STEP) has hired Laura Bell to lead the statewide expansion of the nonprofit’s certified pre-apprenticeship programming. Bell brings more than 12 years of experience in project management and, as an inside journeyman wireman, a deep knowledge of the
