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 - Nome Alaska

Nineteen year old Cameryn Olson is fast pursuing a life of accomplishments. After a couple of temporary jobs straight out of high school, Cameryn landed at Norton Sound Health Corporation in the Ophthalmology department, earning a decent wage.

More was desired, as she had always had her eyes on heavy equipment operating. She had applied to the Alaska Operating Engineers’ apprenticeship program a year prior, but fell just a month short of obtaining her driver’s license, making her ineligible for the program.

Not stopping at such a silly hurdle, and now with her license in hand, Cameryn successfully completed a 40-hour hands-on equipment operating training with Alaska Works Partnership, becoming familiar with the school and staff, and finishing at the top of her class.

She applied again, interviewed, and was accepted! She says she will miss home but is ready to do what it takes to follow her dreams.

Relocating from Nome to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Cameryn had a moment of hesitation, as the thought of leaving her hometown and starting over somewhere new was uncovering emotions she hadn’t yet experienced. The hesitation didn’t last long, though, as she quickly began looking forward to the new beginning! With an enthusiastic work ethic and positive attitude, Cameryn is on track for a bright and rewarding career with the Alaska Operating Engineers as a heavy equipment operator!

A quick check-in with Cameryn recently, she revealed that she is absolutely loving the training and is excited to be a part of building Alaska by working on projects all over the state! We look forward to tracking Cameryn’s success and sharing her accomplishments with hope that they will inspire the next Success Story!

Read More Stories
Women in the Trades – Faces of Success
Discover the inspiring journeys of Elsie Nayokpuk, Maya Vincent, Myriah Edwards, and Erin Harris, who found new career paths through trades training. Elsie's love for carpentry led her to AWP, landing her a job at F&E Contracting and contributing to vital housing projects. Maya embraced telecommunications training, excelling at H5 Contractors, and now plans to reapply for advanced programs. Myriah's welding skills got a boost through AWP, propelling her into a service-oiler apprenticeship. Erin transitioned from cooking to heavy equipment operation, thriving with AWP's support, and now working on major construction projects. These stories highlight how trades training can transform lives, opening doors to fulfilling careers and new opportunities.
Derek Harris
His initial pursuit of a position with IBEW hit a roadblock when changes in their interview process shuffled his ranking lower. Undeterred, Derek decided to take proactive measures. Recognizing the value of upskilling, he enrolled in Alaska Works Partnership’s telecommunications training, a strategic move to bolster his qualifications and perform better in future interviews.
Faces of Success
Alaska Works Student success. Trent Moss - Telecommunications Nancy libao - Carpentry Erin Harris - Heavy Equipment Operating Paxton Wheeler - Elevator Technician Ivan Voronin - Diesel Mechanic
Tanori Perry
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 future for his growing family. With a goal of settling in Alaska, Tanori explored various options before ultimately setting his settings on the teamsters apprenticeship.
Kenna Bates - Alaska Works Student Success
Kenna Bates
Kenna engaged in multiple AWP trainings and even applied to the IBEW, ultimately landing a spot on their waiting list. During this period, she continued her training with us, worked as a stage hand at a performing arts center, and assisted friends with home renovation projects. These experiences culminated in a new career as a Stage Hand Carpenter with the Anchorage Opera.
Manny Acuna
Manny Acuna, an Air Force veteran, came to Alaska 20 years ago. After transitioning from the military, he discovered Alaska Works through Helmets to Hardhats. With an associate degree in project management, Manny explored construction trades through various classes, ultimately falling in love with electrical work. He joined the IBEW apprenticeship program with assistance from the Alaska Works team, starting as an apprentice on a power plant in Anchorage. Despite initial challenges, Manny's perseverance led to financial success and job satisfaction. Now a general foreman, he will become a project manager next season. Manny advises aspiring apprentices to start early, maintain a positive attitude, take initiative, and be punctual. In his limited free time, he serves as the school board president for the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School, urging others to volunteer and engage in their community.
Darren Bunde
"The classes have helped me understand more of the trade and what is involved. It’s amazing that Alaskan carpenters build everything from dirt to doorknobs,"
Kirk McKibben
Kirk McKibben has worked manual labor jobs his entire working career; the last several years operating a mini excavator at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery. As his skills progressed, Kirk wanted to move toward a career, rather than stay stuck in his current job. After completing a 40-hour training in heavy equipment operating, he knew that the heavy equipment operating world was where he wanted to be.
Trinity Nusbaum Carpentry Apprenticeship Success
Trinity Nusbaum
Trinity's apprenticeship in the carpentry trade is a big step forward for her career, and it is a testament to the benefits of vocational training and apprenticeships. These programs offer a unique opportunity to gain practical skills and hands-on experience in a specific trade, while also earning a wage and benefits.
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