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.


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 passion for physical work and seeing projects through inspired her to pursue a career in heavy equipment operation.

In August 2023, she took her first step by completing Alaska Works Partnership’s Heavy Equipment Training. Encouraged by this experience, she followed up with the Heavy Duty Service Oiler Training in August 2024, solidifying her commitment to the trade. In September 2024, she applied to the Heavy Duty Service Oilers apprenticeship program,  prepared herself through Alaska Works Partnership’s Interview Skills Workshop in October, and was thrilled to be selected for the program in November.

Now, she’s on her way to fulfilling her dream of working on job sites across Alaska, inspired by her family’s experience with apprenticeship and the opportunities she’s worked hard to seize

Read More Stories
{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
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  […]

{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
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 […]

{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
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 […]

{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
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. […]

{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
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 […]

{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
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 […]

{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
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 […]

{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
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 […]

{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
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 […]


Categories: Success Stories

Stay Connected


{{brizy_dc_image_alt imageSrc=

All Female Learning Environment


{{brizy_dc_image_alt imageSrc=

Free Training for Veterans


{{brizy_dc_image_alt imageSrc=

Apprenticeship Works for Alaska's Youth


Take Advantage of Our Free Programs Today

{{brizy_dc_image_alt imageSrc=

Free Construction Training!

Sign Up Now for a Better Future


Alaska Works Partnership offers free, introductory training to get you started on your career in the construction, mining, oil & gas, maritime, and transportation industries.