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
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
Originally written by Chuck Quirmbach for WUWM 89.7 FM Two Biden administration cabinet members looked very favorably upon the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) | BIG STEP organization during recent visits. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su brought news of more than $1 million for training on building and maintaining electric vehicle charging stations. At
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,
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
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
Madison, WI – Following a competitive process, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin selected the Wisconsin Broadband Workforce Coalition to lead workforce development planning efforts for the more than $1 billion broadband infrastructure investment coming to Wisconsin. The coalition will be led by Josh Morby and executives from WRTP | BIG STEP, a nationally
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
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
Jessica Lazo Figueroa, 17 years old and a senior at Madison East High School, is a Youth Apprentice through the Madison Metropolitan School District. Growing up, she always wanted a career in construction, but did not have much knowledge about it or know where to begin. She heard about WRTP | BIG STEP through
