Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with WRTP | BIG STEP to host Summer Trades Academy. This FREE 5-day program is designed to empower teens to explore career opportunities in the construction skilled trades.
Summer Trades Academy offers high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates a unique opportunity to visit union training centers, general contractor facilities, and local trades businesses. Participants will hear from industry leaders, engage in live demonstrations, and complete hands-on building projects, providing an immersive introduction to the world of skilled trades. A few places teens will visit include Liuna Local 464, SMART Local 18, Carpenters Local Union 955, Drexel Building Supply Company, and C.D. Smith Construction.
Mindy Collado, WRTP | BIG STEP Northeast WI Program Manager, expressed her enthusiasm for this collaboration: “We’re thrilled to bring WRTP | BIG STEP youth programming to the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area. Having previously worked for the Club and built strong community connections, this partnership is especially meaningful to me. I’ve witnessed the impact these spaces have on young people, and I’m proud to expand opportunities that empower teens to explore construction career pathways.”
This initiative underscores the Club’s commitment to supporting teens as they explore career paths beyond traditional college routes. This collaborative partnership is not just about exposure to skilled trades; it’s about opening doors to new possibilities. Teens will gain insights from local industry leaders, helping them identify clear next steps toward Youth or Registered Apprenticeships in union construction trades and career opportunities with local employers upon high school graduation.
Summer Trades Academy will take place from Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 19, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at the Ripon Boys & Girls Club Site, located at 209 E Blossom St, Ripon, WI 54971. Shuttle services will be available from our Berlin and Green Lake Club sites to help meet transportation needs for those wishing to participate from the surrounding communities. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack will be provided each day.
Early registration is advised as spots are limited. The first 20 teens to complete registration will receive a swag bag full of goodies, including a $100 VISA Gift Card. Visit bit.ly/STAripon to register. For further details, please contact Amy Arndt at (920) 961-2232 or via email at aarndt@wrtp.org.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area has sites located in Berlin, Green Lake, & Ripon, WI. The Club reaches children and families in an area that extends beyond the boundaries of rural Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Waushara County. All contributions raised for the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area always remain in and for the service area of the Club.