WRTP Big Step
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1975
- HeadquartersMilwaukee, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
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.
WRTP Big Step firmographics
Firmographics- 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
WRTP Big Step industry classification
Industry- 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
Where WRTP Big Step is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Milwaukee
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
WRTP Big Step business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Free training programs for eligible job seekers |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
WRTP Big Step product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use WRTP Big Step
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
WRTP Big Step technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
WRTP Big Step partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Vantage Data CenterscorePartnership 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 ToolminorMilwaukee 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 CouncilcoreAnnual Summer Trades Academy partnership hosting hundreds of high school students at trade halls. Collaboration on workforce development and apprenticeship pathways in construction trades.
- Mortenson ConstructioncoreLong-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 CountycorePartnership powering the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. Collaboration on youth workforce development and career exploration programs including Summer Trades Academy.
- Madison Area Builders AssociationcorePartner in McKenzie Regional Workforce Center celebrating first anniversary. Collaboration on workforce development initiatives in Dane County.
- Latino Academy of Workforce DevelopmentminorTeamed up to host construction career fair bringing 20 employers to connect with community members seeking construction careers.
- Literacy Services of WisconsinminorPartnership providing 16-week High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) training combining diploma attainment with manufacturing or construction trade skills.
- Northcentral Technical CollegeminorPartnership 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)minorPartnership 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)minorPartnership with MMSD providing water sector training program that combines HSED with trade skills, preparing participants for apprenticeships.
- NorthEast Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades CouncilminorPartnership for Youth Entry-Level Construction Skills Training Program at IUPAT DC7 Local Union Hall in Neenah, serving Northwest Wisconsin region.
- IBEW Local 2150coreUnion 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.minorEmployer partner working with WRTP | BIG STEP to address employment needs. HR Manager expressed satisfaction with certified pre-apprentices' level of preparedness.
- Forward Service CorporationminorPartner 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
WRTP Big Step competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Customer concentration
WRTP Big Step social profiles
Digital presenceWRTP Big Step compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
WRTP Big Step financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
WRTP Big Step leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
WRTP Big Step funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
WRTP Big Step M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about WRTP Big Step
What does WRTP Big Step do?
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.
Is WRTP Big Step a public or private company?
WRTP Big Step is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was WRTP Big Step founded?
WRTP Big Step was founded in 1975. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is WRTP Big Step based?
WRTP Big Step is headquartered in Milwaukee, United States, in the North America region.
How does WRTP Big Step make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Grant Funding is the primary driver. The others are employer Partnerships.
Does WRTP Big Step have an API?
No public API is recorded for WRTP Big Step.
What industry is WRTP Big Step in?
WRTP Big Step's product category is Workforce Development Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAOAC, Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships & Work-Based Learning, with a secondary code of EDAMAKAL, Internship-to-Apprenticeship & Early Talent Pipeline Programs. Its NAICS code is 611513 and its SIC code is 8200.