2025
WRTP | BIG STEP expands into northern Wisconsin, marking the start of serving communities statewide.
2025
BIG STEP marks its 50th anniversary with a major renovation of its Milwaukee location, dedicating the training floor with a new name: the Vince Toran Training Center.
Overcoming Labels, Limiting Beliefs: Edmund Reetz
Enrolling in WRTP | BIG STEP’s Entry-Level Construction Skills (ELCS) program taught Edmund Reetz, who was already a welder by trade, some unexpected lessons. “There were valuable transferable skills that I learned going through the program, like showing up on time and committing yourself to something,” Edmund says. “It was just what I needed
Taking Career to New Heights: Ricardo Rojas
The apprenticeship pathway is taking Ricardo Rojas to new heights. The 2021 BIG STEP Builders graduate is working toward journeyman status, with the goal of eventually becoming a foreman. Our Milwaukee office’s BIG STEP Builders program introduces high school juniors and seniors to careers in construction through hands-on projects, field trips to union halls,
2024
WRTP | BIG STEP is granted funds from Ascendium Education Group to expand apprenticeship pathways on a statewide level.
Transformational Journey(man): Noel McChristian
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
Paving a New Life Path: Jonathon Barba-Lopez
Jonathon Barba-Lopez was 16 when he found out he was having a baby—and made a decision that changed his life. “I was in high school but walking a bad path,” he says. “I was depressed. I was skipping school. I was 16, about to be a father, and I needed a job.” Jonathon enrolled
Black Construction Trainees In Milwaukee Could Help Alter Underrepresentation in Industry
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
Careerforce Build UP! Pre-Apprenticeship Graduation
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,
Beyond Barriers: Derrick Powe
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