During National Apprenticeship Week, the construction, workforce, government and education industries come together to celebrate the benefits and successes of registered apprenticeship. Next week, the U.S. Department of Labor will highlight the following key themes:

• Monday, Nov. 14: Registered Apprenticeship in New and Emerging Industries
• Tuesday, Nov. 15: Pre-Apprenticeship and Youth Apprenticeship
• Wednesday, Nov. 16: Expanding Registered Apprenticeship to Underserved Populations
• Thursday, Nov. 17: Women in Apprenticeship
• Friday, Nov. 18: Public Service Apprenticeship and Veterans in Apprenticeship

On Tuesday, November 1st, 700 students from 32 local high schools attended our annual event which seeks to promote career paths in the building and construction trades. A variety of hands-on activities from trades and contractors gave students the valuable opportunity to better understand the differences and benefits of each of the trades. We're proud to promote registered union apprenticeship and the benefits that it brings to individuals and our community.

November 12th - 10am-12pm

National Apprenticeship Week Kick Off Breakfast

WRTP | BIG STEP, in partnership with the Milwaukee Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, will be hosting the Milwaukee-area kickoff to National Apprenticeship week at WRTP | BIG STEP’s Milwaukee Campus. We are proud to offer a hands-on event, industry exposure, and networking opportunities for men and women in the trades.

November 14th - 5pm-6pm

National Apprenticeship Week Virtual Roundtable

Join WRTP | BIG STEP in virtually celebrating National Apprenticeship Week. Hear from current apprentices working in a variety of trades and participate in the roundtable discussion to learn about different opportunities in the construction industry.

November 15th - 9am-1pm

Gateway Technical College Open House

This Open House will include a special guest speaker, recruiting opportunities, skills demonstrations and hands-on activities in Fab Lab, Robotics, Welding, and CNC.

November 15-17th - 10am-2pm Operating Engineers Local 139 Externship Day

Join the Wisconsin Operating Engineers for a day filled with information, next steps, and hands-on experiences.

November 15th - 9am-3pm

Madison Apprenticeship Career Fair

Hosted by WRTP|BIG STEP at the Plumbers Local 75 hall in Madison, the trades will have hands-on activities and provide information to prospective individuals. WRTP|BIG STEP representatives will be present to help start the apprenticeship application process.

November 17th - 12pm-4pm

Steamfitters Local 601 Open House

The Steamfitters are hosting open houses at both their Milwaukee and Madison locations.

Milwaukee Location - Thursday 11/17

Madison Location - Wednesday 11/16

Trade orientation begins at 4pm.

As the skilled labor shortage continues, tradespeople are in high demand and can earn well beyond the wages of college graduates. The union construction industry invests in standardized apprenticeship programs specified for each trade which creates a safe, educational environment for hands-on and classroom learning. Instead of accumulating costly college debt, apprentices earn wages while receiving a valuable “trades degree”.

250 E Wisconsin Ave, Ste 100, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 897-1146 | info@buildingadvantage.org