Bell will leverage industry knowledge to build programming expansion infrastructure
MILWAUKEE, WIS. (June 10, 2025) — The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership | Building Industry Group Skilled Trade Employment Program (WRTP | BIG STEP) has hired Laura Bell to lead the statewide expansion of the nonprofit’s certified pre-apprenticeship programming.
Bell brings more than 12 years of experience in project management and, as an inside journeyman wireman, a deep knowledge of the construction industry to the expansion. She completed her state-indentured apprenticeship with Van Ert Electric and then moved into detailing and prefabrication and then project management over the course of her career with the company. As WRTP | BIG STEP’s statewide director, Bell will develop the foundational infrastructure to build equitable apprenticeship access and opportunities in northeastern and northwestern Wisconsin.
“Assuming the role of statewide director has provided me with a platform to connect with individuals throughout Wisconsin, offering them insights into the rewarding opportunities within the trades,” Bell said. “My journey with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has profoundly transformed my life. I am committed to guiding others toward careers that not only provide a sustainable income but also offer personal fulfillment and professional growth.”
Ascendium Education Solutions granted WRTP | BIG STEP up to $10 million over the next five years to develop Wisconsin’s apprenticeship pipeline. The Apprenticeship Pathway Coalition Initiative will form collaborative coalitions and expand apprenticeship pathways statewide in various industries, with the goal of connecting underrepresented populations to family-sustaining career opportunities.
“Laura’s experience and expertise is propelling our apprenticeship readiness work at WRTP | BIG STEP forward,” said Lindsay Blumer, CEO and president of WRTP | BIG STEP. “As we work toward transforming and innovating around apprenticeship pathways with our partners across the state, Laura is at the forefront of building relationships, executing on strategy, and empowering her team to have impact.”
WRTP | BIG STEP currently has offices in Milwaukee, Madison, and Racine. The statewide expansion will deliver services to northeastern and northwestern Wisconsin. Bell is already working on building partnerships and programming with statewide organizations and agencies, industry stakeholders, employers, unions, and community organizations.
One such endeavor is northeastern Wisconsin’s first-ever Summer Trades Academy, spearheaded by Bell. This free program offers exposure to the construction skilled trades and will run Monday, July 28, through Friday, August 1. Northeast Wisconsin high school students are welcome to register online. Participants will watch live demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about the apprenticeship process. Visits to local unions, training centers, and trade halls, including Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 400, SMART Local 18, LiUNA, and more, will also be part of the programming.
In addition to programming opportunities, the statewide expansion plan includes hiring two regional directors to oversee operations in northeastern and northwestern Wisconsin, both of whom will report to Bell.
Click or tap here for more information about the Apprenticeship Pathway Coalition
Initiative.
ABOUT WRTP | BIG STEP
WRTP | BIG STEP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce intermediary dedicated to connecting people to family-sustaining jobs. Our mission is to enhance the ability of public and private sector organizations to recruit, develop, and retain a more diverse, qualified workforce in construction, manufacturing, and emerging sectors of the regional economy. Learn more at www.wrtp.org
