In The News

Milwaukee Training Center Naming, Renovation Honors Wisconsin’s First Black Apprentice

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

Milwaukee Training Center Naming, Renovation Honors Wisconsin’s First Black Apprentice2025-10-10T09:36:02-05:00

Celebrating 50 years of BIG STEP

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

Celebrating 50 years of BIG STEP2025-09-24T09:31:11-05:00

The $10 Million Workforce Experiment That Could Redefine Apprenticeships in America

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

The $10 Million Workforce Experiment That Could Redefine Apprenticeships in America2025-08-22T15:04:24-05:00

WUWM 89.7 FM – Wisconsin apprenticeship program participation reached a record high in 2024, report finds

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

WUWM 89.7 FM – Wisconsin apprenticeship program participation reached a record high in 2024, report finds2025-08-14T11:03:35-05:00

Mastering Apprenticeships

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

Mastering Apprenticeships2025-08-07T15:24:26-05:00

Nonprofit’s New Computer Lab Set to Serve Thousands of Milwaukee-Area Jobseekers

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

Nonprofit’s New Computer Lab Set to Serve Thousands of Milwaukee-Area Jobseekers2025-07-31T15:56:02-05:00

2025 Milwaukee Summer Trades Academy Draws 180 Students

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

2025 Milwaukee Summer Trades Academy Draws 180 Students2025-06-24T16:23:02-05:00

Bell to lead statewide expansion for WRTP | BIG STEP

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… Continue Reading Bell to lead statewide expansion for WRTP | BIG STEP

Bell to lead statewide expansion for WRTP | BIG STEP2025-06-18T16:40:25-05:00

WRTP | BIG STEP Treasurer Jeannie Lauret Named Notable Nonprofit Board Leader

As originally published in BizTimes Jeannie Lauret is head of Menomonee Falls-based custom fabricator company Duwe Metal Products. She has served on the board of Milwaukee-based nonprofit WRTP | BIG STEP for five years and currently is the board treasurer. “Duwe Metal Products is engrained in Milwaukee’s subcontractor culture, thanks to Lauret’s leadership,” said Lindsay… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Treasurer Jeannie Lauret Named Notable Nonprofit Board Leader

WRTP | BIG STEP Treasurer Jeannie Lauret Named Notable Nonprofit Board Leader2025-05-16T11:11:44-05:00

WRTP | BIG STEP Co-Chair Henry Hurt Named Notable Nonprofit Board Leader

As originally published in BizTimes Henry Hurt, founder and president of Wauwatosa-based Hurt Electric Inc., has been on the WRTP | BIG STEP board for 27 years and currently serves as co-chair. “As a 1978 graduate of BIG STEP’s certified pre-apprenticeship training, Hurt brings an incredible understanding of the nonprofit’s programming and the apprenticeship… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Co-Chair Henry Hurt Named Notable Nonprofit Board Leader

WRTP | BIG STEP Co-Chair Henry Hurt Named Notable Nonprofit Board Leader2025-05-16T11:11:43-05:00
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