WRTP Big Step

What WRTP Big Step does

WRTP Big Step is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce intermediary founded in 1975 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The organization provides pre-apprenticeship training programs that prepare participants for skilled trades careers, with a stated focus on populations historically underrepresented in the building trades, including women, people of color, returning citizens, and veterans. It operates across five regional offices throughout Wisconsin and serves a multi-county catchment via direct program delivery and partner referrals.

The organization's core product is a portfolio of state-certified pre-apprenticeship training programs, including ELCS, HCST, EVSTEP (a clean energy and electric vehicle workforce pathway), and CDL Class A commercial driver training. These programs typically combine hands-on skills instruction, classroom curriculum, and industry-recognized certifications to prepare participants for entry into registered apprenticeship programs and direct employment with partner employers. The organization works in close coordination with building trades unions, contractors, community-based organizations, and government agencies to deliver programming and place graduates.

WRTP Big Step's operating model is grant-funded rather than revenue-generating. The organization has secured a $10 million commitment from Ascendium Education Group for an Apprenticeship Pathway Coalition Initiative, a $1.5 million allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Capital Projects Fund for facility renovation, and a $10,000 contribution from O'Reilly Auto Parts, alongside other federal, state, local, and philanthropic funding streams. As a designated Anchor Institution for the Biden-Harris Administration's Milwaukee Workforce Hub, the organization occupies a central position in regional workforce development strategy and is in active statewide expansion into Northern Wisconsin.

Name

WRTP Big Step

Legal name

Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership | Building Industry Group Skilled Trades Employment Program

Website

https://wrtp.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

WRTP Big Step is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce intermediary founded in 1975 that delivers pre-apprenticeship training programs across Wisconsin, preparing underrepresented participants for skilled trades careers and registered apprenticeships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Training

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships & Work-Based Learning (EDAAAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Internship-to-Apprenticeship & Early Talent Pipeline Programs (EDAMAKAL), Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE)

Keywords

• Apprenticeship readiness
• Workforce development
• Pre-apprenticeship training
• Construction skills training
• Skilled trades training

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: WRTP | BIG STEP operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce intermediary primarily funded through grants from foundations, government agencies, and corporate philanthropy. Major grants include $10 million from Ascendium Education Group over five years for apprenticeship pathway expansion, and various federal grants from U.S. Department of Labor, Department of Energy, and Department of Transportation.
2. Employer Partnerships: The organization works directly with employers to develop customized training programs. Training is provided free of charge to the community, with costs covered through grants and employer leveraging of available funding. This creates a cost-effective talent pipeline solution for employers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

WRTP Big Step is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce intermediary that delivers pre-apprenticeship training programs preparing job seekers for entry into union apprenticeship pathways in construction, manufacturing, and emerging sectors such as EV and clean energy. Core offerings include Entry-Level Construction Skills (ELCS), Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST), EVSTEP, CDL Class A driver training, MC3 certification, HSED instruction, and youth-targeted programs, paired with employer talent-pipeline services that connect graduates with union apprenticeship sponsors and contractors across Wisconsin.

Product overview

WRTP | BIG STEP is a workforce intermediary nonprofit offering a portfolio of certified pre-apprenticeship training programs and career pathway services. The core offerings include the Entry-Level Construction Skills (ELCS) Training, Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) Program, EVSTEP electrical training, and CDL Class A programs. Youth programs include the Summer Trades Academy and Youth ELCS training. The organization connects job seekers to union apprenticeships and provides employers with a diverse talent pipeline through the BIG STEP Readiness Program and MC3 certification. Programs are provided at no cost to eligible participants and are funded through partnerships with government agencies and foundations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Entry-Level Construction Skills (ELCS) Training

Quantifiable outcome

• Wisconsin apprenticeship enrollment reached record 17,089 individuals in 2024
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Vantage Data CenterscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2025Partnership for career pathways into skilled trades as part of Port Washington Lighthouse campus development. Supports workforce development, food security, housing stability, and digital access initiatives in Wisconsin communities.
• Milwaukee ToolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 August 2025Milwaukee Tool reaffirmed commitment of over $150 million toward training, safety education, innovation, and career access for skilled trades with goal of reaching $200 million by 2030. Partnership with WRTP and BIG STEP for training programs.
• Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Summer Trades Academy partnership hosting hundreds of high school students at trade halls. Collaboration on workforce development and apprenticeship pathways in construction trades.
• Mortenson ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for construction projects and youth workforce programs. Partner in TechTerns program with Bradley Tech, Froedtert, and Medical College of Wisconsin providing project-based learning.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership powering the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. Collaboration on youth workforce development and career exploration programs including Summer Trades Academy.
• Madison Area Builders AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in McKenzie Regional Workforce Center celebrating first anniversary. Collaboration on workforce development initiatives in Dane County.
• Latino Academy of Workforce DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeamed up to host construction career fair bringing 20 employers to connect with community members seeking construction careers.
• Literacy Services of WisconsinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing 16-week High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) training combining diploma attainment with manufacturing or construction trade skills.
• Northcentral Technical CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing free entry-level construction skills training helping address worker shortage in Wisconsin. Students learn construction skills for free through NTC facilities.
• Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in incentivized water and sewer sector training program with Milwaukee Area Technical College. Prepares participants for apprenticeships in the trades.
• Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with MMSD providing water sector training program that combines HSED with trade skills, preparing participants for apprenticeships.
• NorthEast Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Youth Entry-Level Construction Skills Training Program at IUPAT DC7 Local Union Hall in Neenah, serving Northwest Wisconsin region.
• IBEW Local 2150coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnion partner providing career pathways in construction trades. Representative noted WRTP | BIG STEP convenes Wisconsin's unions, employers, and CBOs for inclusive approach to clean energy careers.
• Ingeteam Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer partner working with WRTP | BIG STEP to address employment needs. HR Manager expressed satisfaction with certified pre-apprentices' level of preparedness.
• Forward Service CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Northern Wisconsin information sessions and ACCUPLACER testing at 726 Pine Street location for Green Bay area.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wrtpbigstep
• Facebookfacebook.com/wrtpbigstep

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WRTP Big Step