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!


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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Youth Apprenticeship – Faces of Success:
In Alaska, Noah Switzer, Gabriel Browner, Asher Wells, and Logan Shane found success through Alaska Works Partnership. Noah transitioned from building maintenance to telecommunications, Gabriel moved from welding training to the Ironworkers' apprenticeship program, Asher progressed from plumbing and pipefitting courses to an apprenticeship, and Logan went from farm work to carpentry training to employment in construction. Their stories highlight opportunity and determination in Alaska's landscape.
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.

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