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WELCOME TO THE 2ND EDITION OF THE WRTP | BIG STEP INDUSTRY PARTNER NEWSLETTER!
We are excited to share our latest news and updates with you and to highlight the impactful work that we are doing together.
WRTP | BIG STEP is a nonprofit workforce intermediary organization that provides comprehensive pre-apprenticeship readiness training, career navigation services, and job placement in Wisconsin's manufacturing, construction, transportation, broadband, and green energy sectors. We work collaboratively with sectoral partnerships to support equitable career pathways, offer ongoing retention and follow-up services, and advocate for infrastructure work.
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GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT
WITH LINDSAY BLUMER
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"As college graduates, you are now the next generation of helpers, of cheerleaders, of mentors, of supporters; a graduate who looks others in the eyes and says, 'I believe in you…I know it can be done, because I did it.’”
–Lindsay Blumer, Gateway Commencement, May 2023
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TRADESMART RECRUITMENT AT MATC WALKERS POINT
In partnership with Gilbane, we held a successful training and work experience opportunity at MATC Walkers Point. We recruited and trained 12 participants and are currently working on connecting them to ongoing construction projects at the Wisconsin Center.
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CARMEN SENIOR
SIGNING DAY
Carmen High School organized a signing day event to announce the post-secondary decisions of their seniors. We are proud to share that WRTP | BIG STEP had 5 Carmen seniors who have chosen to pursue careers in the trades after high school, thanks to our partnership.
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WRTP | BIG STEP INAUGURAL SIGNING DAY
We joined forces with the Milwaukee Building Trades to celebrate local Milwaukee students as they embark on their skilled trades careers.
Students were placed with multiple trades within the MBTC, and we are thrilled to support their journey.
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JUNETEENTH PARADE
WRTP | BIG STEP participated in the 52nd annual Juneteenth parade. We had a booth at the event, where we networked with hundreds of Milwaukee residents. Notably, Senator Tammy Baldwin and Wisconsin Apprenticeship Director David Polk made stops at our booth, further showcasing the impact of our work in the community.
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JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
The SE WRTP | BIG STEP staff participated in Racine’s 48th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Dr. John Bryant Community Center, attended by approximately over 300 city residents.
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KIATONG HER
Kiatong Her's success story is a testament to the impact of our programs. After joining our Summer Trades Academy in 2022 with a passion for becoming an electrician, Kiatong took part in outreach activities at school, guided by our dedicated Youth Coordinator, Jose Luevano. Inspired by his experience, he enrolled in WRTP|BIG STEP programming and completed our intensive training. Kiatong's journey continued as he completed an ELCS/MC3 training program through WRTP|BIG STEP. With the support of our staff and case management, he secured a position as a Steamfitter Apprentice with Local 601. We are proud of Kiatong's achievements and will continue to support him throughout his apprenticeship.
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June 20 - August 1, 2023
Youth Entry-Level Construction Skills
June 26, 2023
Entry-Level Construction Skills Recruitment
June 26 - 30, 2023
Summer Trades Academy
July 1, 2023
BIG STEP Apprenticeship Readiness
August 10, 2023
BIG STEP Apprenticeship Readiness
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July 12, 2023
Entry-Level Manufacturing Skills Recruitment
July 13, 2023
BIG STEP Apprenticeship Readiness
July 29, 2023
BIG STEP Apprenticeship Readiness
August 7 - Sept 1, 2023
Entry-Level Construction Skills Training
August 11, 2023
Highway Construction Skills Training
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August 14, 2023
Entry-Level Manufacturing Skills Training
August 28, 2023
BIG STEP Apprenticeship Readiness
Sept 7, 2023
BIG STEP Apprenticeship Readiness
Sept 23, 2023
BIG STEP Apprenticeship Readiness
Sept 28, 2023
Cheers to Careers 2023
| | If you know of someone interested in WRTP | BIG STEP’s pre-apprenticeship training programs, they can get a head start on filling out the necessary paperwork by calling WRTP | BIG STEP’s front desk staff at (414) 342-9787. | | |
ACCESS SKILLED TALENT &
ENHANCE WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
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WRTP| BIG STEP partners with public and private workforce development stakeholders to connect employers with skilled talent. Our focus is on placing community residents in family-supporting jobs that benefit both workers and employers. We specialize in construction, manufacturing, and emerging sectors, but we are open to partnering with any employers who provide pathways to such careers.
Fill out our Job Order Request Form, provided in the link below, to request assistance with recruiting, developing, and retaining a more diverse, qualified workforce. To get started, please fill out the Job Order Request Form or contact Brain Foley, our Employment, Training, and Placement Coordinator at (414) 937-3601 or bfoley@wrtp.org.
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SUPPORTER APPRECIATION
In this section, we would like to express our gratitude to Heartlove Place for their incredible support. Heartlove Place is providing lunches to students participating in the Summer Trades Academy. Their commitment to empowering families and strengthening the Milwaukee community aligns perfectly with our mission.
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EMPLOYER
SPOTLIGHT
CG Schmidt deserves recognition for their invaluable support. They actively participated in our Inaugural Trade Signing Day and have been a consistent partner in guiding our youth and adults through their apprenticeship journeys.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to CG Schmidt.
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DONATE
Help us make a positive impact in Wisconsin’s diverse workforce pipeline.
We are grateful for your contribution.
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