Alaska Construction Academies

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.
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,"
 Kaden Blevins
Kaden, a high school student from Eagle River, AK, discovered his passion for plumbing through a free training program offered by the Alaska Works Partnership and Anchorage School District. After excelling in the 40-hour training, Kaden applied and was accepted into the Plumbers and Steamfitters apprenticeship program, where he will continue his education and training while working in the field.
Philip Andrew Career success
Philip Andrew
Born and raised in the village of New Stuyahok, Alaska, he discovered his love for construction and pursued a career in the trades. Through hard work and dedication, Philip has gained valuable skills, and his well-rounded experience has made him a sought-after candidate in his field. Despite the challenges he's faced, Philip has remained focused on providing for his family and ensuring a brighter future for his six sons.
Jaclyn Johnson
Jaclyn’s journey towards a fulfilling career is a testament to the impact that Alaska Works Partnership (AWP) can have on individuals. In just a few interactions, AWP staff were able to introduce Jaclyn to the world of construction training and the opportunities available to her. This led her to apply for and complete telecommunications training in both Anchorage and Wasilla, where she discovered her passion and talent for the craft.
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.
Elijah Watts
Elijah Watts transitioned from a customer service job to carpentry after watching the construction of a skate park. He excels as a first-year apprentice in the Carpenters' apprenticeship in Fairbanks, showing that perseverance and hard work can lead to achieving goals. Elijah's success as an apprentice highlights the value of apprenticeships and the impact they can have on an individual's career.
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.
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
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.

Recent 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

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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.