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.… Continue Reading Leveling Up Construction Experience: Russell Pawelko
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… Continue Reading Tapping Into Potential: Jakori Jones
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 look… Continue Reading Milwaukee Training Center Naming, Renovation Honors Wisconsin’s First Black Apprentice
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… Continue Reading Celebrating 50 years of BIG STEP
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… Continue Reading The $10 Million Workforce Experiment That Could Redefine Apprenticeships in America
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… Continue Reading WUWM 89.7 FM – Wisconsin apprenticeship program participation reached a record high in 2024, report finds
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… Continue Reading Mastering Apprenticeships
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… Continue Reading Nonprofit’s New Computer Lab Set to Serve Thousands of Milwaukee-Area Jobseekers
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… Continue Reading 2025 Milwaukee Summer Trades Academy Draws 180 Students
