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.


Noah Switzer
Training 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 journey of self-discovery and professional growth led him to apply and be accepted into the IBEW as a telecommunications technician. He embraced his role within the IBEW and is poised to make a meaningful impact in the telecommunications industry.

Gabriel Browner
Training received: ACA Ironwork & Welding, MCA OSHA-10

Success: Straight out of high school to a welding fabrication job, Gabriel knew he wanted to make a career in the welding trades. After completing a 40-hour Ironwork & Welding training, he followed it up with a 10-hour OSHA certification.

With a good sense of the hands-on responsibilities of an Ironworker, Gabriel applied to the Ironworkers’ apprenticeship program where he was interviewed and accepted. He is excited about his new career and looks forward to getting to work.

Asher Wells
Training received: FCA Intro to Plumbing and Pipefitting, FCA Welding

Success: From the halls of high school to the bustling world of plumbing and pipefitting, Asher's trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable.

Fueled by a thirst for knowledge, he started his journey with Alaska Works Partnership (AWP) as a curious student, eager to explore the trades. With each training session attended Asher honed his skills and fortified his determination, laying the groundwork for a promising future.

When the opportunity to join the Plumbers and Pipefitters apprenticeship presented itself, Asher seized it, impressing interviewers with his passion and work ethic. He was offered a position as a first-year apprentice and will be going to work this summer. 

Logan Shane
Training received: MCA Carpentry

Success: Logan worked on a farm as he completed high school. The work was satisfying, but Logan wanted a more trade-related career. Finishing a 40-hour training in carpentry, Logan went straight into the construction arena, working for 3E Construction, and then GP Construction. His duties include vessel

mechanics and oil spill cleanup. A homeless Tennessee transfer to Alaska, he now has a home, a vehicle, and steady employment that showcases his new skillset.

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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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