José Garcia is a union journey worker carpenter and the father of nine children. His journey to and through the skilled trades held many challenges, but it ultimately fulfilled his dreams.
When José first learned of WRTP | BIG STEP, he had recently returned from incarceration and was struggling to find a job due to his background. Then a Wisconsin Community Services case manager gave him a flyer about the organization’s Roadbuilding Training Program. Once José recognized the name of Southeast Region Director John Anderson, with whom he had worked in the past, José felt confident he would get the support and guidance he needed.
José found that WRTP | BIG STEP’s training classes were challenging yet enjoyable and that the staff, instructors, and mentors were knowledgeable and helpful. Meanwhile, he experienced numerous obstacles, including handling taxes, child support, driver’s license recovery, and discrimination and nepotism from other tradespersons. Throughout this journey, José’s family provided a constant source of motivation—he never gave up on his dream of becoming a provider and role model for them.
WRTP | BIG STEP had a significant impact on José’s life: He learned he was skilled in carpentry and envisioned himself in a role he had never imagined. Once he completed the training program, he applied to the carpenters union to become a registered apprentice. In 2023, he graduated to journey worker status, a testament to his hard work and dedication. José now works for SunPeak, where he is learning to install and maintain solar power systems.
José believes that WRTP | BIG STEP makes a positive impact on the community by providing valuable training and guidance to help individuals achieve their goals. To others in situations like the one he once endured, José has this message: Believe in yourself, trust the staff at WRTP | BIG STEP, and never give up, even when the journey looks daunting.
José Garcia is a union journey worker carpenter and the father of nine children. His journey to and through the skilled trades held many challenges, but it ultimately fulfilled his dreams.
When José first learned of WRTP | BIG STEP, he had recently returned from incarceration and was struggling to find a job due to his background. Then a Wisconsin Community Services case manager gave him a flyer about the organization’s Roadbuilding Training Program. Once José recognized the name of Southeast Region Director John Anderson, with whom he had worked in the past, José felt confident he would get the support and guidance he needed.
José found that WRTP | BIG STEP’s training classes were challenging yet enjoyable and that the staff, instructors, and mentors were knowledgeable and helpful. Meanwhile, he experienced numerous obstacles, including handling taxes, child support, driver’s license recovery, and discrimination and nepotism from other tradespersons. Throughout this journey, José’s family provided a constant source of motivation—he never gave up on his dream of becoming a provider and role model for them.
WRTP | BIG STEP had a significant impact on José’s life: He learned he was skilled in carpentry and envisioned himself in a role he had never imagined. Once he completed the training program, he applied to the carpenters union to become a registered apprentice. In 2023, he graduated to journey worker status, a testament to his hard work and dedication. José now works for SunPeak, where he is learning to install and maintain solar power systems.
José believes that WRTP | BIG STEP makes a positive impact on the community by providing valuable training and guidance to help individuals achieve their goals. To others in situations like the one he once endured, José has this message: Believe in yourself, trust the staff at WRTP | BIG STEP, and never give up, even when the journey looks daunting.
José Garcia is a union journey worker carpenter and the father of nine children. His journey to and through the skilled trades held many challenges, but it ultimately fulfilled his dreams.
When José first learned of WRTP | BIG STEP, he had recently returned from incarceration and was struggling to find a job due to his background. Then a Wisconsin Community Services case manager gave him a flyer about the organization’s Roadbuilding Training Program. Once José recognized the name of Southeast Region Director John Anderson, with whom he had worked in the past, José felt confident he would get the support and guidance he needed.
José found that WRTP | BIG STEP’s training classes were challenging yet enjoyable and that the staff, instructors, and mentors were knowledgeable and helpful. Meanwhile, he experienced numerous obstacles, including handling taxes, child support, driver’s license recovery, and discrimination and nepotism from other tradespersons. Throughout this journey, Josè;s family provided a constant source of motivation—he never gave up on his dream of becoming a provider and role model for them.
WRTP | BIG STEP had a significant impact on José ‘s life: He learned he was skilled in carpentry and envisioned himself in a role he had never imagined. Once he completed the training program, he applied to the carpenters union to become a registered apprentice. In 2023, he graduated to journey worker status, a testament to his hard work and dedication. José now works for SunPeak, where he is learning to install and maintain solar power systems.
José believes that WRTP | BIG STEP makes a positive impact on the community by providing valuable training and guidance to help individuals achieve their goals. To others in situations like the one he once endured, José has this message: Believe in yourself, trust the staff at WRTP | BIG STEP, and never give up, even when the journey looks daunting.