Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) strives to enhance the ability of private and public sector organizations to recruit and develop a more qualified workforce in construction, manufacturing, and related sectors. WRTP is the designated intermediary to create a pipeline into registered building trade and manufacturing apprenticeship programs in the Milwaukee area. WRTP addresses the barriers to gaining entry to the building trade professions of historically underrepresented groups such as minorities, women, low-skill, and low-income.
WRTP was established in 1992 and implementation of workforce training services began in 1996. The WRTP was designated as the clearing house for training in the building trade and manufacturing professions with establishment of the Center for Excellence in 2005.
WRTP serves both job-seeker and incumbent workers. WRTP/BIG STEP offers individualized tutoring to help individuals prepare for apprenticeships in the skilled trades, such as carpentry, electrical, cement masonry, and plumbing. Also, WRTP/BIG STEP offers certificate training programs in various manufacturing and construction disciplines such as welding or road-building. These trainings are offered based on employer need. Job-seekers receive pre-apprenticeship training opportunities and career counseling. Incumbent workers receive assistance progressing through the apprenticeship to journeyman process.
Job-seekers receive pre-apprenticeship training opportunities and career counseling. Incumbent workers receive assistance progressing through the apprenticeship to journeyman process. Specifically WRTP provides an array of training programs in building trades, manufacturing and related industries such as forestry, road construction, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. Training programs are hands-on and experiential. Some training programs offer On-the-Job-Training opportunities. As well, WRTP/BIG STEP maintains a database of skilled, experienced candidates. At the employer partner's request, WRTP/BIG STEP can access and refer qualified candidates to interviews for direct employment opportunities.