WRTP/BIG STEP Secures Grant to Help Train Local Trades

There have been many articles, meetings and announcements recently about green building initiatives and how they will impact our local economy. Thanks to the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/ Building Industry Group Skilled Trades Employment Program (WRTP/ BIG STEP) and its proactive efforts, the organization has partnered with the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB) to secure a $440,000 workforce training grant.

"We're very proud to help bring in funding to ensure our local trades receive in-depth training in HVAC, weatherization, welding, caulking and lead abatement," said Earl Buford, Executive Director for WRTP/BIG STEP. "We believe partnering with the MAWIB was an important step in the process, and we're excited to continue moving the training forward."

Thanks to these efforts, the Department of Workforce Development announced it would award grant money to provide training for the following Milwaukee-area trades and JATCs:

  • Bricklayers
  • Carpenters
  • Laborers
  • Painters and Allied Craftsworkers
  • Sheet Metal Workers

"The commitment the construction trades have to green building practices is made evident by their interest in submitting for this grant," said Roberta Gassman, Secretary for the Department of Workforce Development. "We're encouraged to see partnerships like WRTP/BIG STEP, the MAWIB and the local unions because it shows their commitment to Wisconsin's future."

The construction trades have seen a growing need for specific skill sets to meet the needs of contractors working toward green building principles. As more customers work hard to become increasingly environmentally responsible, it's important for the skills of union trades people to stay in line with customers' changing business practices.

In addition to learning new skills sets specific to green building practices, the training will position local union contractors at a competitive advantage over out-of-state contractors. These efforts have grown in recent months as the economic conditions have forced contractors to differentiate themselves from their competition.

It's through these types of initiatives that WRTP/BIG STEP enables many of our local unions to capitalize on state-funded programs that will make an impact for years to come.

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