Media Mentions

WRTP | BIG STEP Selected by Ascendium Education Group To Lead Apprenticeship Pathway Coalition Initiative

MILWAUKEE, WI (March 18, 2025) - Milwaukee-based WRTP | BIG STEP has been awarded funding from Madison-based Ascendium Education Group to lead the newly formed Apprenticeship Pathway Coalition Initiative (APCI). Ascendium has granted WRTP | BIG STEP up to $10,000,000 over the next five years to develop Wisconsin's future apprenticeship-focused workforce. These funds are designated… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Selected by Ascendium Education Group To Lead Apprenticeship Pathway Coalition Initiative

WRTP | BIG STEP Selected by Ascendium Education Group To Lead Apprenticeship Pathway Coalition Initiative2025-03-18T12:32:55-05:00

Wisconsin Breaks Apprenticeship Record for a Third Time

As originally published on The Daily Reporter by Ethan Duran. Wisconsin has announced it broke the record for the most registered apprentices in its program this year. Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development on Monday reported there were 17,089 individuals enrolled in the Registered Apprenticeship Program, which provides training for… Continue Reading Wisconsin Breaks Apprenticeship Record for a Third Time

Wisconsin Breaks Apprenticeship Record for a Third Time2024-12-04T11:53:37-06:00

Milwaukee Construction Trades on the Rise: For better pay, more people are choosing a career in the trades

As first published by Tom Jenz for The Shepherd Express.Milwaukee was once a premiere example of American manufacturing, urban areas dominated by productive factories that shaped the city’s identity and economy. From the mid-19th century through much of the 20th century, Milwaukee was a hub of industry, renowned for its breweries, machine shops, and later, its… Continue Reading Milwaukee Construction Trades on the Rise: For better pay, more people are choosing a career in the trades

Milwaukee Construction Trades on the Rise: For better pay, more people are choosing a career in the trades2024-11-21T11:00:08-06:00

Following Biden Administration Visit, WRTP | BIG STEP to Lead Milwaukee’s Construction Coordination and Job Training

As originally published in full by The Daily Reporter.WRTP | BIG STEP was the White House’s chosen organization to lead construction coordination and job training amid the federal investment.Because Milwaukee was named the next Workforce Hub, dedicated funding for apprenticeships in the area will grow by at least $650,000, federal officials said. WRTP | BIG… Continue Reading Following Biden Administration Visit, WRTP | BIG STEP to Lead Milwaukee’s Construction Coordination and Job Training

Following Biden Administration Visit, WRTP | BIG STEP to Lead Milwaukee’s Construction Coordination and Job Training2024-10-14T12:08:33-05:00

Empowering Individuals to Seek Careers In the Trade Industry

Recently, WRTP | BIG STEP was featured by TMJ4 News for our talent pipelines that connect people with sustainable careers in the skilled trades! We provide education, hands-on training, and ongoing support to connect individuals directly with future employers. Take Jade Retic's story, for example. Through our programs, Jade is gaining the skills and knowledge… Continue Reading Empowering Individuals to Seek Careers In the Trade Industry

Empowering Individuals to Seek Careers In the Trade Industry2024-07-11T11:12:53-05:00

CEO Lindsay Blumer speaks during 2024 National Skills Coalition Summit

We’re thrilled to announce CEO Lindsay Blumer was asked to speak on Comcast’s Newsmakers during the 2024 National Skills Coalition Summit! This esteemed program highlights leaders making a difference across various industries. In the interview, Blumber discussed WRTP | BIG STEP’s ongoing commitment to bridging the nation’s skills gap by exposing young people to… Continue Reading CEO Lindsay Blumer speaks during 2024 National Skills Coalition Summit

CEO Lindsay Blumer speaks during 2024 National Skills Coalition Summit2024-07-08T13:42:00-05:00

2024 Summer Trades Academy Draws 170 Students From the Milwaukee Area

As originally written by Ethan Duran for The Daily Reporter. Last week, WRTP | BIG STEP and the Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council hosted a record-breaking number of curious high school students at the 2024 Milwaukee Summer Trades Academy. The multi-day event featured 14 different trades and took place at different trade halls… Continue Reading 2024 Summer Trades Academy Draws 170 Students From the Milwaukee Area

2024 Summer Trades Academy Draws 170 Students From the Milwaukee Area2024-07-02T17:01:39-05:00

WRTP | BIG STEP Impact Report 2023

2023 was a year of significant change across the nation, including unprecedented investments in infrastructure and a record-breaking number of active apprenticeships. In WRTP | BIG STEP’s 2023 Impact Report, we look back on the amazing partnerships, events, and programs that have allowed our communities to flourish. WRTP | BIG STEP has implemented MSSC/HSED… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Impact Report 2023

WRTP | BIG STEP Impact Report 20232024-06-21T12:15:13-05:00

Number of Construction Jobs in Racine County Expected to Soar

As originally published for Greater Racine County Southeast Wisconsin Continues To See Significant Growth In The Construction Industry With The Number Of Jobs Expected To Grow By 14.3% By 2030. Racine County is at the epicenter of this growth. Recently, Microsoft announced plans to invest $3.3 billion in new data centers, which is expected… Continue Reading Number of Construction Jobs in Racine County Expected to Soar

Number of Construction Jobs in Racine County Expected to Soar2024-06-14T09:48:57-05:00

DOT-HCST Pilot Program Graduation

We are thrilled to announce the first graduating class of our Department of Transportation-Highway Construction Skills Training (DOT-HCST) program!The program, which ran from March 26 - May 10, 2024, provided participants with a comprehensive curriculum to prepare them for careers in highway construction. The program included:Extensive equipment trainingContractor and trade presentationsFirst AidCPRFlagger certificationOSHA 30 trainingCDL… Continue Reading DOT-HCST Pilot Program Graduation

DOT-HCST Pilot Program Graduation2024-05-23T14:11:03-05:00
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