Helmets to Hardhats
Alaska Works Partnership, Success Stories
Inspiring stories about people just like you who decided to make a better future for themselves. Alaska Works Partnership is here to help you with free cross-industry training & education. There's never a better time than right now to start building a better future. Contact us today and let's get started!
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.
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
Austin Hatten
In June of 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 seized the opportunity to enhance his skill set by enrolling in Alaska Works Partnership’s telecommunications training.
Michael Abraham
Michael’s transition from military service to a fulfilling career in carpentry mirrors his unwavering determination and tenacity. After returning to Chefornak, Alaska, he initially worked as a substitute teacher. However, he soon realized his passion lay in hands-on work.
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.
Emily Campbell
Emily is almost done with her two weeks of CDL training and is currently in week six out of eleven for heavy equipment operating training with the Operating Engineers Local 302. She's been doing great in her training and has already learned how to operate heavy machinery such as a scraper, excavator, and road grader. Plus, she's also picked up the skill of grade-checking.
Read more to learn about her inspiring journey.
Recent Stories
Austin Hatten
In June of 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 seized the opportunity to enhance his skill set by enrolling in Alaska Works Partnership’s telecommunications training.
Michael Abraham
Michael’s transition from military service to a fulfilling career in carpentry mirrors his unwavering determination and tenacity. After returning to Chefornak, Alaska, he initially worked as a substitute teacher. However, he soon realized his passion lay in hands-on work.
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.
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Alaska Works Partnership offers free, introductory training to get you started on your career in the construction, mining, oil & gas, maritime, and transportation industries.