A BIG STEP in the Right Direction

The Building Industry Group Skilled Trades Employment Program (BIG STEP), a workforce development group supporting the union trades, recently relocated to a new and improved office building in Milwaukee. This move will help BIG STEP better service under-represented Milwaukee residents who are looking for a career in the building trades.

BIG STEP, in partnership with the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP), created the Center of Excellence in 2005. Since then, the combined programs have graduated over 1,400 participants into family-sustaining jobs, particularly focusing on construction and manufacturing opportunities. Over 600 participants have been placed into union jobs and apprenticeships, while 75 percent of all graduates have passed an apprenticeship exam.

Earl Buford, executive director of BIG STEP and the Center of Excellence, is excited by the prospects of the new facilities. “The Center is a central clearinghouse for the assessment, preparation and placement of job candidates. Our new facility allows us to simplify the process by holding training classes, tutoring, testing and a multitude of other services all under one roof,” said Buford. “It helps minimize confusion and allows us to focus on getting people prepared for the workforce.”

The new building is still under construction, but currently houses the following:

  • An Accuplacer testing room
  • Several rooms for tutoring – including special accommodations for people who are easily distracted or have learning disabilities
  • Hands-on classrooms for training in crafts such as welding
  • A screening center to help facilitate people with special needs

The union trades have also been a big help in the success of the new building. Desks in the testing center were built by apprentices from the carpenters union who donated their time. The Steamfitters Local 601 will also be donating welding machines so that students will be able to learn the trade through hands-on work.

With the facilities up and running, the Center was able to hold its first career fair on January 25. The event was well attended by employers and those seeking careers in the trades. Over two dozen booths were run by groups such as the Department of Labor, individual contractors and nearly all of the Milwaukee construction trade unions. Community groups such as First Choice of Racine and Esperanza Unida, Incorporated, that work in cooperation with BIG STEP, were able to bring in students and allow them the opportunity to learn about the building trades.

“In Milwaukee we are all working together for the same cause – to give residents the skills that will provide them with a career,” said Buford. “With the construction industry in Milwaukee on the rise, there is no better time to help our community members find stable, life-sustaining jobs.”

BIG STEP continues to grow and is playing a positive role in the success of the union construction industry. If you know someone who could benefit from training with BIG STEP, please call the Center of Excellence at (414) 342-9787 for more information.

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