Alaska Works Partnership, Success Stories

Read our inspiring stories about students who have taken advantage of our programs and services at Alaska Works Partnership. Be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions. We're ready to help you start your career in the construction trades today.


Apprenticeship Success - Fairbanks

From working as a customer service representative at a local Jiffy Lube in Fairbanks, Alaska, Elija Watts transitioned into exploring career-oriented options that would pique his interest. His journey led him to carpentry, a trade that he found fascinating after watching the construction of a local skate park.

After working a season in carpentry, Elijah decided to apply to the Carpenters' apprenticeship in Fairbanks, where he was accepted as a first-year apprentice. His dedication and hard work have already started paying off, as he excels in his training and enjoys the new skillset that he is acquiring on a daily basis.

Elijah's success story is a great inspiration to anyone who is seeking a career change or looking to explore their interests. His journey shows that it's never too late to pursue your passion, and that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals.

Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to learn new skills and gain hands-on experience while earning a living. They are an excellent way to jumpstart a new career or develop existing skills. Elijah's success as an apprentice demonstrates the value of apprenticeships and the impact they can have on an individual's life.

As Elijah continues on his journey as a carpentry apprentice, we celebrate his success and wish him all the best in his career. His commitment to his craft is an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to seeing the great things he will accomplish in the future. Congratulations, Elijah, on your well-deserved success!

Read More Stories
Youth Apprenticeship – Faces of Success:

Noah SwitzerTraining received: Building Maintenance and Telecommunications Success: Noah engaged in several educational opportunities offered by Alaska Works, immersing himself in various courses to explore his interests and develop his skills. However, it was during his enrollment in the Telecommunications class that he experienced a significant breakthrough. Within the span of just six months, Noah's […]

Austin Hatten

Austin a nine-year army veteran, transitioned into civilian life with a clear goal: to pursue a career in the trades. In June, 2023, Austin took a significant step towards his goal by applying to the IBEW apprenticeship program. Recognizing the importance of building a strong foundation for his future, he didn’t stop there. In July, he […]

Michael Abraham

Michael's journey is a testament to perseverance and ambition. While serving his country in the Army Reserves, he didn't let his commitments deter him from pursuing his dreams. When he wasn't fulfilling his reserve duties, he found employment as a substitute teacher in his hometown of Chefornak, Alaska. Determined to expand his horizons, Michael set […]

Women in the Trades – Faces of Success

Elsie NayokpukTraining received: Building Maintenance, Wood Framing, Sheetrock & Taping, Blueprint Reading, Math and Optical Instruments, Power ToolsSuccess: Elsie, passionate about Carpentry, turned to Alaska Works Partnership (AWP) for support. Through AWP, she immersed herself in training, refined her resume, and successfully landed a job at F&E Contracting, contributing to affordable housing for Cook Inlet […]

Derek Harris

Training received: FCA Telecommunications Success: Derek’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, a testament to his resilience and determination as he navigated a significant career transition. With sixteen years of military service, Derek stepped into civilian life in July 2023 with a drive to secure stable employment and provide for his family. His initial pursuit […]

Faces of Success

Ivan Voronin Training received: Heavy Duty Service Oiler Success: Ivan, a volunteer firefighter, police officer andrescue firefighter at Fairbanks International Airport, also manages his own snow removal and dirt work business. Seeking to enhance his skill set, he enrolled in the Heavy Duty Service Oiler Training with Alaska Works Partnership in August 2023, envisioning improving […]

Tanori Perry

Training received: FCA 80-hour Carpentry Training, October 2016 Success: Tanori’s determination and commitment paid off in a big way. After completing the 80-hour Carpentry training with Alaska Works Partnership in 2016, he knew he wanted to expand his skill set beyond his military background. As a devoted family man, he sought to secure a stable […]

Kenna Bates - Alaska Works Student Success
Kenna Bates

Training received: Heavy and Light Duty Mechanics, Sheetmetal & HVAC, Telecommunications, First Aid / CPR / AED, OSHA-10, Electrical Wiring, Carpentry, Structural Welding, Building Maintenance Success:Kenna initially joined AWP seeking opportunities for career advancement, having been limited to part-time work due to childcare responsibilities. Uncertain about her path, she explored options such as taking training […]

Manny Acuna

From student to project manager - Success Story Manny Acuna came to Alaska twenty years ago with the Air Force where he served for 13 years as an egress technician for fighter jets and other military aircraft. He found out about Alaska works through Helmets to Hardhats a year after he transitioned out of the […]

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