WRTP | BIG STEP

OUR MISSION WRTP was initially created to renew our traditional industrial base in the Milwaukee area during the 1990s. The recovery of manufacturing, retirement of an aging workforce, and diversification of the regional economy created a growing skills shortage by the end of the decade. In response to this threat to economic growth and prosperity, we created our successful model of pre-employment training for job seekers to qualify for family-sustaining jobs in the industrial sector. The development of our industry-driven model coincided with the implementation of Wisconsin Works (W-2) by Governor Thompson’s administration. Our program offered an opportunity to former welfare recipients and other low-income central city residents to acquire the skills they needed to qualify for family-sustaining jobs. The program has promoted the goal of helping community residents achieve self-sufficiency. WRTP received funds from the Annie E. Casey Foundation to develop a model program in manufacturing training in 1997. In 2000, WRTP was awarded a demonstration grant from the United States Department of Labor to replicate the program in other sectors. The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation selected WRTP for a national Sector Employment Impact Study in 2003. The results of the study showed that those who participated in sector-specific programs fared much better than those who did not across a variety of measures. To enhance the ability of public and private sector organizations to recruit, develop, and retain a more diverse, qualified workforce in construction, manufacturing, and emerging sectors of the regional economy. OUR VISION Traditionally underrepresented and underemployed people, particularly women and people of color, have access to education, training, and supportive equitable placement opportunities. Industry employers and labor organizations are full partners in creating career pathways and opportunities that are safe, skill-focused, and culturally competent. Holistic planning and technical assistance that expands career opportunities for people and industry in a dynamic workforce community. HISTORY In 1976, a consortium of representatives of the building trades founded Building Industry Group Skilled Trades Employment Program (BIG STEP), evolving from the efforts started in 1967 with Vince Toran and Project Leap. BIG STEP was formed in an attempt to increase the number of women, minorities, and younger workers employed in the building trades. In 1992, the formation of Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) was announced after the Commission on a Quality Workforce recommended the development of partnerships between business, labor, and government to renew the industrial base in the Milwaukee area. WRTP continued to grow, receiving funds from the Annie E. Casey Foundation to develop a model program in manufacturing training. In 2000, WRTP was awarded a demonstration grant from the United States Department of Labor to replicate the program in other sectors. In 2002, WRTP and BIG STEP, both with their own highly successful histories, partnered to facilitate more effective coordination of employer-driven worker readiness to best ensure that individuals preparing for employment gained the skills and experiences that employers needed. WRTP became the fiscal agent for BIG STEP and BIG STEP became an industry driven funding source for WRTP with programming efficiencies achieved in both organizations. In 2005, with support from Governor Jim Doyle, the partnership established the Center of Excellence (COE) for Skilled Trades & Industry and BIG STEP is an integral part of WRTP. In 2014, WRTP and BIG STEP formally merged their Boards of Directors into one board as they continue to move towards becoming one organization.

Recruitment of qualified individuals for apprenticeship training and careers Assessment of individual needs and strengths Development of a plan of action to help participants receive employment Providing test tutoring and other preparatory services (day and evening classes) Placing participants in on-the-job-training programs leading to construction-related apprenticeships Arranging necessary classroom training to prepare and place participants into higher paying employment opportunities Providing case management services to assist candidates in becoming apprentices and/or retaining construction-related employment