Tatyana Klahn heard about WRTP | BIG STEP from her brother, who came to us for career services, but she blazed a path all her own as a 2024 Madison Summer Trades Academy and Entry-Level Construction Skills graduate. Prior to starting the Summer Trades Academy, Tatyana had no experience with the trades. “I had… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Success Series: Tatyana Klahn
Brandon with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Obtaining certified pre-apprenticeship credentials “catapulted me into my future,” says Brandon Ericson, a 2024 graduate of WRTP | BIG STEP’s Certified Production Technician and High School Equivalency Diploma (CPT HSED) training. During the 16-week program, participants simultaneously earned certifications in two Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Success Series: Brandon Ericson
“WRTP | BIG STEP impacted my life in a big way,” says Jake Ondike, a veteran who launched his post-military career with the help of WRTP | BIG STEP’s Racine staff. “It’s the start of my new career that I’m going to be doing for the next 20 or so years.” In 2024, Jake… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Success Series: Jake Ondike
Transforming Lives through WRTP | BIG STEP In 2006, Noel McChristian's life took a significant turn when he joined the WRTP | BIG STEP program. Before this, Noel faced various challenges but was determined to build a better future. His journey began when he met John Anderson, the Southeast Director at WRTP | BIG… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Success Series: Noel McChristian
At 16, life took an unexpected turn for Jonathon Barba-Lopez. He was lost in a cycle of bad choices, struggling in school, leading his friends astray, and feeling lost. Then, he found out he was going to be a father. Inspired by faith and the determination to be a good father, Jonathon fostered his… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Success Series: Jonathon Barba-Lopez
On Friday, January 26th, WRTP | BIG STEP South Central joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County and the Latino Academy of Workforce Development, Inc. at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center to celebrate the first 12 graduates of the Careerforce Build UP! Pre-Apprenticeship Training. These 12 students dedicated 12 weeks to hands-on,… Continue Reading Careerforce Build UP! Pre-Apprenticeship Graduation
I am thrilled to share the inspiring success story of one of our former students, Derrick Powe. With our support, he overcame significant personal challenges and is now flourishing in his second year of the sheet metal apprenticeship program. Derrick is a justice-impacted individual who participated in our Entry-Level Construction Skills program. He quickly… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Success Series: Derrick Powe
At WRTP | BIGSTEP, our WANTO (Women in Nontraditional Occupations) program is transforming lives and careers right here in Milwaukee. Through tailored training, case management, and supportive services, we’re breaking down barriers and empowering women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields. One shining example of success in the WANTO program is Carshella Porter, a determined… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Success Series: Carshella Porter
Robert Artley and Zacharias Smith have similar stories: Both came to WRTP | BIG STEP as veterans after falling on hard times, and both found themselves job-hopping with little success, lacking confidence, and looking for support that could lead them back to family-supporting careers. They got the support they needed when the Center for… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Success Series: Robert Artley and Zacharias Smith’s Success Story
Isaias Cisneros is a second-generation Mexican American born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. He enjoys music, art, physical activity, and practicing his faith. Before enrolling in WRTP | BIG STEP, Isaias worked at Kwik Trip but felt unfulfilled in his job. Isaias learned about WRTP | BIG… Continue Reading WRTP | BIG STEP Success Series: Isaias Cisneros’s Success Story
