Milwaukee, WI — Following President Joe Biden’s official announcement naming WRTP I BIG STEP as the Anchor Institution for Milwaukee’s Workforce Hub, WRTP I BIG STEP is launching a comprehensive outreach and communications strategy aimed at engaging a wide array of stakeholders. This plan will ensure the benefits of this national recognition flow to employers, unions, community-based organizations, government officials, and funders, helping to address labor shortages and create equitable workforce opportunities across the city.
As the Anchor Institution, WRTP I BIG STEP will lead efforts to address the workforce opportunity this investment creates, preparing local residents for career paths in high-demand industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and clean energy.
“We are honored to be named the Anchor Institution for Milwaukee’s Workforce Hub. This designation provides a tremendous opportunity to align employers with a diverse, skilled workforce while creating pathways to economic mobility for Milwaukee residents,” said Lindsay Blumer, CEO of WRTP I BIG STEP.
WRTP I BIG STEP will engage employers, industry associations, and contractor groups to educate employers on what the Workforce Hub designation means and make sure they are at the table on day one.
As a key partner, unions will play an essential role in the success of Milwaukee’s Workforce Hub. WRTP I BIG STEP plans to collaborate with union leadership to strengthen apprenticeship pipelines, ensuring fair wages and career advancement for local workers.
To ensure equitable access to the opportunities created by the Workforce Hub, WRTP I BIG STEP will also partner with Walnut Way Conservation Corporation to assure coordination with community-based organizations across Milwaukee and reach underrepresented and marginalized communities, providing access to training programs, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
“Community-based organizations are critical to making sure every neighborhood benefits from the Workforce Hub,” said Blumer. ”We’re eager to collaborate with local organizations to bring these opportunities directly to residents.”
Local philanthropic organizations are going to be key partners to ensure sustainable funding for the Workforce Hub’s workforce initiatives. WRTP I BIG STEP will collaborate with local funders to explore opportunities that align with the region’s long-term workforce development needs.
WRTP I BIG STEP’s comprehensive outreach strategy reflects its commitment to ensuring the success of Milwaukee’s Workforce Hub and creating opportunities for all sectors of the community. Through collaborative efforts and targeted engagement, WRTP I BIG STEP will continue to lead the region’s workforce development initiatives, helping residents access good jobs and creating a more prosperous Milwaukee.
For more information on WRTP I BIG STEP’s role as the Anchor Institution for Milwaukee’s Workforce Hub, or to participate in upcoming stakeholder events, please email workforcehub@wrtp.com.
About WRTP | BIG STEP
WRTP I BIG STEP is a nationally recognized workforce intermediary, serving Milwaukee and the surrounding area. We provide customized solutions to connect employers with skilled workers, particularly in the manufacturing, construction, and emerging green industries. Our programs focus on increasing access to employment opportunities for underrepresented populations while helping businesses meet their labor needs.