WRTP / BIG STEP

WRTP / BIG STEP was glad to join the Wisconsin Policy Forum in Hayward for an important discussion about expanding apprenticeship pathways in northwest Wisconsin 🛠

The conversation focused on the challenges employers face when creating apprenticeship opportunities and what we can do next to strengthen the talent pipeline in this region.

Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Want to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities? Explore our programs:
🔗 https://wrtp.org/events

City of Milwaukee residents, ready to begin your journey to a rewarding career? 👷

Gain access to employment opportunities on various construction projects in the city through the City of Milwaukee’s Residents Preference Program (RPP)!

WRTP / BIG STEP works with employers and helps eligible community members get RPP certified ✅

Visit our website to learn more and see if you qualify, or reach out to our team:
🔗 https://wrtp.org/programs-and-services
📞 (414) 342-9787

You’re invited to the BIG STEP Block Party in Madison ✉

Join us for lunch at the park, where you will:
🤝 Meet union representatives
🛠 Explore good-paying job opportunities in the trades
👷 Learn about apprenticeship programs and career pathways
🍔 Enjoy food, games, and fun

We hope to see you there:
📅 September 30 | 11 AM – 2 PM
📍 Elver Park | 1250 McKenna Blvd; Madison, WI
🔗 https://wrtp.org/event/big-step-block-party

With hard work and accessible pathways, you can find your dream job 🛠

With the help of FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) and WRTP / BIG STEP’s Highway Construction Skills Training, Sydnee Smith got on the path to a successful career.

Today, Sydnee works as a quality control technician at Walbec Group.

Read Sydnee’s full story and get inspired:
🔗 https://wrtp.org/blogs/success-story-keeping-in-control-of-a-construction-career-path

Celebrating perseverance and second chances ✅

Jaton Mitchell found the fresh start he was looking for when he joined WRTP / BIG STEP's Pave Your Path program in 2025. He continued his training through Entry-Level Construction Skills and began building a new future through the skilled trades. Today, he is a member of Carpenters Local 314.

Jaton’s story shows that with dedication and the right support, anyone can achieve the career of their dreams.

Read Jaton’s full story and get inspired to take your next step:
🔗 https://wrtp.org/blogs/success-story-constructing-a-fresh-start

? September is Workforce Development Month, which highlights the importance of training programs and celebrates the professionals who help connect people to meaningful career opportunities 🛠

WRTP / BIG STEP is proud to be part of the workforce development community. We’re grateful for our industry partners and the work we do together to create more pathways to family-supporting careers.

Learn more about our programs:
🔗 https://wrtp.org/events

Your path to the skilled trades starts today 🛣

At our Milwaukee WRTP / BIG STEP Orientations in September, you’ll learn about available training and programs in construction, explore skilled trades occupations and career pathways, and receive support to help you prepare for employment.

Orientation Dates:
📅 September 22 | 4 PM*
📅 September 29 | 9 AM
*The September 22 session is an evening orientation. Attendees will return September 24 at 9 AM for testing.

📍 3841 W Wisconsin Ave | Milwaukee, WI

Take the next step toward a career with opportunities to learn, grow, and build your future. Learn more and sign up:
🔗 https://wrtp.org/series/big-step-orientation-q3-2026-milwaukee

Recently, 11 WRTP / BIG STEP HCST graduates took part in a hiring event focused on opportunities with the upcoming Racine County public safety building construction project 👷

Hosted by Domina Consulting INC, which is contracted by Racine County and Gilbane Building to oversee economic inclusion and workforce development, the event gave our graduates the chance to connect with contractors.

We want to give a special shoutout to Timothy Davis, one of the Racine office’s 2025 ELCS participants who found employment thanks to our program, for interviewing recent graduates for KD Glass positions.

Thank you to the following contractors who participated in the pre-event matchmaking process:
🟡 Gilbane
🟡 Lee Mechanical
🟡 Olympic Companies, Inc.
🟡 PCI Construction
🟡 KD Glass
🟡 Blair Fire Protection
🟡 Parking Lot Maintenance
🟡 Cornerstone Detention Products
🟡 Performance Contracting Inc
🟡 DK Contractors
🟡 Northway Fence, Inc.
🟡 VJS Construction Services
🟡 Central Door Solutions
🟡 Germantown Iron & Steel
🟡 Wellenstein & Sons

Explore our programs:
🔗 https://wrtp.com/events

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, from WRTP / BIG STEP!

The National Hispanic Construction Alliance reports that Hispanic workers make up 31% of the entire U.S. construction industry, but only 15% hold management roles, highlighting a leadership gap.

At WRTP | BIG STEP, we’re committed to making career training accessible to Wisconsinites from all backgrounds. By connecting people with the education, certifications, and hands-on skills they need to succeed, we’re helping build a stronger and more expanded workforce for the future.

Learn more about our programs:
🔗 https://wrtp.org/events

Your path to the skilled trades starts today 🛣

At our Milwaukee BIG STEP Orientations in September, you’ll learn about available training and programs in construction, explore skilled trades occupations and career pathways, and receive support to help you prepare for employment.

Orientation Dates:
📅 September 15 | 9 AM
📅 September 22 | 4 PM*
📅 September 29 | 9 AM
*The September 22 session is an evening orientation. Attendees will return September 24 at 9 AM for testing.

📍 3841 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee

Take the next step toward a career with opportunities to learn, grow, and build your future. Learn more and sign up:
🔗 https://wrtp.org/event/big-step-orientation-q3-2026