WRTP | BIG STEP gets $1.5 million for skills training

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U.S. Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen last week announced a $1.5 million federal grant for the Wisconsin Regional Training Program (WRTP | BIG STEP) to expand and modernize its Milwaukee training facility.

The award will help WRTP | BIG STEP “continue to advance its mission to equip residents with the skills they need to get well-paying jobs and get ahead,” Yellen said at a news conference.

The treasury secretary’s visit was part of President Joe Biden administration’s expressed support for organized labor and infrastructure projects amid an election year. Last week, the United Auto Workers announced their endorsement for Biden. The president also visited the John A. Blatnik Bridge, a billion-dollar reconstruction project supported by federal infrastructure funds in northwestern Wisconsin.

Gov. Tony Evers, Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley were also at the trades training center. Yellen said the $1.5 million was available through U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s work.

At the event, Yellen said in 1970 three out of four Milwaukee jobs only required a high school diploma. Today, two out of three jobs require more than a high school degree. For many over 25 without college degrees, “it has been hard to find pathways to the middle class,” the treasury secretary added.

“At WRTP | BIG STEP, we are thrilled to be embarking on a modernization project at our training facility and cannot thank Treasury Secretary Yellen enough for spending time with us in celebrating the historic investment in our work,” said Lindsay Blumer, president and CEO of WRTP | BIG STEP.

“We cannot thank Senator Baldwin enough for her fierce advocacy for workers and apprenticeship readiness programs. We look forward to increasing our capacity to ensure a safe, skilled and diverse workforce for Wisconsin,” Blumer added.

The treasury secretary highlighted workforce partnerships with unions to strengthen the link between training and employment. Yellen also covered the recently signed pieces of legislation that directed federal dollars to transportation and clean energy projects.

“Partnerships between workforce development programs and unions can also strengthen the link between training and employment,” Yellen said. “That means training will directly lead to a job,” she added.

The treasury secretary noted that 100% of graduates from WRTP | BIG STEP’s 2022 Summer Trades Academy received job offers.