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The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/BIG STEP:
A WIA FUNDING SUCCESS STORY
The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/BIG STEP is a multi-union , multi-employer effort to link employers, workers, and unions to improve worker training and preserving jobs in the Greater Milwaukee construction, manufacturing, and other skilled trades and to prepare for emerging industries. WRTP has a diverse base of funding including public funds, privately negotiated funds, and philanthropic contributions. WRTP receives WIA funding from both the Governor’s 15% Discretionary Fund and funding from area Local Workforce Investment Board(s).
The partnership uses WIA funding from Local Workforce Investment Board(s) as flexible ITA vouchers for class tuition costs, materials and books costs for participants, and union initiation fees. Using their WIA ITAs in a flexible manner enables the partnership to mix and match funding, thus maximizing resources available to them. Thus avoiding geographic restrictions for program eligibility and lifting barriers to participation for individuals who are not traditionally eligible for public support.
As certified eligible training provider in the state of Wisconsin, the partnership facilitates, sponsors, or subcontracts to local trades, thus enabling them to receive WIA funding without going through the process of becoming an eligible training provider. Essentially, the partnership has been able to subcontract the pre-employment training to the trades.
They have also utilized WIA dollars to provide travel stipends for students who need to travel to union training centers. The partnership also uses WIA funds for vocational English-as-a-Second- Language (ESL) training for incumbent workers. They have also used WIA ITA vouchers for apprentice candidates who have already completed training and passed trades tests. The WIA funds are used to help apprentice candidates earn a “special skills certificate,” which makes them more valuable as apprentice candidates and significantly helps them with placement in a trade.
The partnership also receives statewide WIA funding from the Governor’s 15% Discretionary Fund to increase the participation and retention of new apprentices, with a focus on apprentices from urban areas.
Contact: Rhandi Berth
Associate Director, Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership
3841 W. Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Email: rberth@wrtp.org
Phone: (414) 573-1918
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Unions WRTP works with: SEIU, UNITE HERE, AFSME, USW IAM, UAW, Building and Construction Trades, LIUNA, Carpenters, IBEW, Operating Engineers, Plumbers & Pipefitters, and Painters.
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