WRTP | BIG STEP’s 2025 Impact Report highlights a year of growth and meaningful strides in its mission to develop a more diverse, qualified workforce. In 2025, the organization celebrated 50 years since the inception of BIG STEP, expanded its programming statewide, and renovated the Milwaukee Training Center. This growth was underscored by significant
NOW AVAILABLE! The Full Conversation on the Future of Wisconsin’s Talent Pipeline Source: Milwaukee Workforce Hub The Milwaukee Workforce Hub is pleased to release the full interview between WRTP | BIG STEP President & CEO Lindsay Blumer and Wisconsin Policy Forum President Jason Stein and Research Director Joe Peterangelo. This wide-ranging conversation, recorded over
WRTP | BIG STEP President & CEO Lindsay Blumer was featured on Workforce on the Mic, presented by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). In the episode, “A BIG STEP Forward: Preparing Talent for Apprenticeship Success,” Lindsay discusses the importance of apprentice readiness in today’s climate with Alexis Franks, Director of Membership
MILWAUKEE, WI (January 21, 2026) – The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership | Building Industry Group Skilled Trades Employment Program (WRTP | BIG STEP) has been awarded a Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to train Wisconsin women for family-sustaining careers as commercial drivers and union skilled tradesworkers.The
When Felipe Irizarry celebrated his 31st birthday the week of his graduation, it marked a turning point in his life. A father who had been sober for two years, Felipe decided to pursue a future in the building trades to create more stability for his family. Like many apprenticeship opportunities in Wisconsin, entry into
Source: Racine County Eye As the Racine Community Foundation (RCF) celebrates 50 years of service, countless stories highlight what happens when a community invests in its people. Across Racine County, organizations are helping girls discover their confidence, young adults find meaningful careers, and families facing hardship feel supported and seen. Together, they show how nurturing potential—at
Source: Wisconsin Policy Forum Our July 2025 report, Mastering Apprenticeships, found that the number of people employed as registered apprentices in Wisconsin reached an all-time high in 2024, but that participation varied considerably by occupation and county. That was welcome news given employers in the state continue to report struggles to find needed workers in many
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
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.
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
