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.


Women in the Trades – Faces of Success

03/05/2024

Elsie Nayokpuk
Training received: Building Maintenance, Wood Framing, Sheetrock & Taping, Blueprint Reading, Math and Optical Instruments, Power Tools
Success: 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 Housing Authority (CIHA). Elsie's journey continued as she joined the ABC apprenticeship program, thriving in her career.

Maya Vincent
Training received: Telecommunications.
Success: Maya was always interested in Telecommunications and was excited to take our training. She really enjoyed it and decided to apply for a construction-related position with H5 contractors in Wasilla and was hired in the fall of 2023. Maya plans on reapplying to the IBEW Telecommunications in March 2024, she was not accepted the first time because she needed more experience and now she has plenty. Maya likes working for H5 and does framing work mostly, she is pictured here on her job site in Wasilla.

Myriah Edwards
Training received: Electrical Wiring, Intro to Welding and First Aid / CPR / AED
Success: Myriah Edwards had her sights set on a welding-related career in the industrial trades, although she wasn’t sure where or how. With prior welding experience, Myriah moved forward with a focused intent on refreshing her welding skills and getting back in the game. After completing 40 hours of welding training with the Alaska Operating Engineers, she learned about the service oiler apprenticeship and was thrilled to face such an opportunity! She applied and was accepted, and now looks forward to helping the industry fleet keep moving as construction continues season after season!

Hailey Chacon
Training received: Fairbanks Construction Academy Weatherization, Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship
Success: Hailey’s journey to success was a quest for fulfillment through exploration and seizing opportunities. After college she worked various jobs, but none satisfied her longing for hands-on work and a good wage. After discovering Alaska Works Partnership, she found her passion in the trades through training and attending the Women in Construction event reignited her drive. In March 2023, she applied to IBEW, becoming a first-year telecom apprentice.
Today Hailey is thriving, finding fulfillment and camaraderie while mastering new skills. Her story inspires others to pursue their passions and embrace unconventional paths to 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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