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
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
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
Source: Wisconsin Policy Forum 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
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
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
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
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
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
As originally written by Marquette Today. Dr. Yong Bai, McShane Chair and Professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering in the Opus College of Engineering, has received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for research and curriculum development of infrastructure construction and engineering. The goal of the Training
