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.


Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Success

We are thrilled to share the news of Kirk McKibben's success in his apprenticeship program! Kirk has spent his entire working career in manual labor jobs, but he wanted to move toward a career that would provide more opportunities for growth and development.

After completing a 40-hour training in heavy equipment operating, Kirk knew that he had found his calling. He pursued several employment leads and landed a job with a local contractor. Kirk's strong work ethic and dedication to his craft paid off when he received a $3 hourly raise just weeks into his new position.

But Kirk's success did not stop there. He received word that he had been accepted into the Alaska Operating Engineers' apprenticeship program as an equipment operator. This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to Kirk's commitment to his craft.

We are proud of Kirk's accomplishments and wish him all the best as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. This apprenticeship program will provide him with invaluable skills, knowledge, and experience that will serve him well in the years to come.

Kirk's story is an inspiration to all of us. It reminds us that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn, we can achieve great things. We hope that his success will inspire others to pursue their dreams and never give up on their goals.

Congratulations to you Kirk, on your apprenticeship success! We look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the future.

Read More Stories
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Caden Estrada

Caden had a clear vision for his future while still in high school—he wanted a successful career in the skilled trades. Intrigued by the possibilities   within the electrical field, he knew that hands-on work and a strong foundation in math were crucial to his goals. In 2021, while still in high school, Caden took a  […]

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Cody Butkiewicz

After a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, Cody Butkiewicz was ready for a new direction. Seeking a fulfilling career in the trades, he completed the Veterans Electrical Entry Program (VEEP) and set his sights on joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). To further prepare  himself, Cody partnered with Alaska Works Partnership, where […]

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Gary Chin

Gary’s journey towards becoming an electrician began with the electrical pre-apprenticeship program he completed through Alaska Works Partnership in November 2017. That initial training set the stage for a rewarding career in the electrical field, laying a strong foundation in the skills and confidence he needed to progress. Fast forward to November 2023, when Gary […]

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Helmajean Akerelrea

Hilmajean Akerelrea’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of career education. After graduating from the Career Education Center, Hilmajean was at a crossroads. She was working as a manager at Sonic but wasn’t sure about her long-term career path. Her uncertainty shifted when she enrolled in Alaska Works Partnership’s electrical wiring and power tools training courses. […]

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Jennifer Boyer

Jenn began her career in heavy equipment with Healy Lake Village Council as an expeditor, where she sourced and managed supplies, oversaw financial submissions, and managed grants. She later took on the role of foreman for a landfill project, leading a team of seven, ensuring safety protocols were followed, and completing the project successfully. Her […]

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John Calhoun

John’s passion for the electrical trade began in high school, where he set his sights on a career in the industry. Eager to get a head start, he signed up for courses with Alaska Works Partnership to gain hands-on skills and technical knowledge. He completed classes in Telecommunications, Electrical Wiring, First Aid, and OSHA 10 […]

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Mason Jefferies

Mason’s story with Alaska Works Partnership began in 2014, when he participated in the Rigging and Hand Signal training. This initial exposure to foundational trade skills sparked his interest in electrical work, and after completing the training, he applied to the IBEW Inside Wireman apprenticeship program. With commitment and hard work, Mason stayed in the […]

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Jacob Buzby

Jacob Buzby's Journey to Becoming a Journeyman Operator Jacob Buzby’s career path began in early 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a few months before his 18th birthday. He had a clear goal: to pursue a career in construction. Referred to Alaska Works, Jacob wasted no time and enrolled in the […]

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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 […]


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