Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Grant - She Drives the Future

Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Grant

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Racine, Northeast Wisconsin, Northwest Wisconsin)

Program Name: She Drives the Future

A two-year grant supporting expansion of She Drives the Future, a 12-week pre-apprenticeship program combining Entry-Level Construction Skills (ELCS) training curriculum with commercial driver's license (CDL) preparation. The program addresses persistent workforce shortages in construction, transportation, and skilled trades while increasing women's representation in these industries.

Key Focus Areas

• Training women for family-sustaining careers as commercial drivers and union skilled tradesworkers
• Diversifying the construction and transportation workforce
• Providing training at no cost to participants
• Supporting at least 60 Wisconsin women through the program

Target Population

• Women (historically underrepresented in construction and CDL careers)
• Women represent only 9% of construction workers and 6% of CDL holders in Wisconsin

Program Components

• Industry-recognized certifications
• Hands-on training
• CDL permit preparation
• New driver orientation and assessment
• Classroom instruction
• OSHA certification
• First aid/CPR certification
• Hands-on projects
• Incentive payments for meeting program milestones

Geographic Expansion

• Initial cohorts: Milwaukee and Racine (2026)
• Expansion: Northeast and Northwest Wisconsin (2027)

Contact Information

WRTP | BIG STEP

• Milwaukee: (414) 342-9787 | milwaukee@wrtp.org
• Southeast (Racine): (262) 619-6560 | southeast@wrtp.org
• Northwest: (920) 961-2159 | northwest@wrtp.org
• Northeast: (920) 961-2159 | northeast@wrtp.org
• Website: wrtp.org

How to Apply

1. Register for Information Session
   • Register online at: https://wrtp.org/series/she-drives-the-future-female-only-elcscdl-class-a-information-session
   • Information sessions available for Milwaukee program
   • Additional info sessions for Racine and northern Wisconsin scheduled for later in 2026
2. Enrollment Process
   • Attend information session
   • Complete enrollment application
   • Begin 12-week pre-apprenticeship training
3. Program Participation
   • Attend full 12-week curriculum
   • Complete all required certifications and training modules
   • Eligible to test for CDL general knowledge certification
   • Receive job placement support after completion

Support Provided

• Free training (no cost to participants)
• Stipends during training
• Incentive payments for program milestones
• Job placement assistance post-graduation