
E17: A BIG STEP Forward: Preparing Talent for Apprenticeship Success
From Workforce on the Mic: Presented by NAWDP by NAWDP
January 21, 2026 · 24 min
About this episode
Lindsay Blumer discusses apprenticeship readiness and the importance of aligning education with job opportunities.
In this episode, we're joined by Lindsay Blumer, President and CEO of WRTP | BIG STEP, for a timely conversation on apprenticeship readiness and why it matters more than ever in today's workforce landscape. Lindsay explores how earn-and-learn models are opening doors to high-demand careers, creating equitable and industry-led pathways, and aligning education with real-world job opportunities. Drawing on her experience leading a statewide workforce intermediary in Wisconsin, she shares insights on preparing individuals with the confidence, core skills, and support systems needed to succeed—while also helping employers build strong, sustainable talent pipelines that benefit workers, industries, and communities alike.
People in this episode
Guest: Lindsay Blumer
Topics covered
- apprenticeship readiness
- earn-and-learn models
- workforce development
- talent pipelines
- education alignment
Keywords
- apprenticeship
- workforce
- talent development
- education
- career pathways
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: WRTP | BIG STEP
Places: Wisconsin
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