Trent Moss

Training received: Telecommunications, Underground Utility Construction, Blueprint Reading Math & Scaffold User/Fall Protection, OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR/AED

Success: While preparing to end his service in the Navy in October 2023, Trent decided that he wanted a career in the trades and reached out to Alaska Works to get some foundational training and become a more competitive applicant for an apprenticeship.  After registering with Helmets to Hardhats and completing several classes, he applied to the Outside Telecommunications Apprenticeship and was accepted in May of 2023.  Once his Military service ends, he will have a lucrative career with the IBEW waiting for him.

Nancy Libao

Training received: ACA Power Tools, ACA Scaffolding, ACA Carpentry, ACA Building Maintenance, OSHA-10

Success: After completing several forty-hour trainings at the top of her class, Nancy gained employment with Visser Construction in Anchorage. While working, Nancy applied to the Carpenters’ apprenticeship. After interviewing, she continued with Visser until the call came in that she had been accepted! Nancy is ecstatic about the new journey through apprenticeship. Nancy is now working for F&W on the Brewster housing project in Mountain View and is really enjoying the work!  The Brewster housing project is part of a CIHA contract in partnership with AWP as the training provider.

Erin Harris

Training received: Heavy Equipment Operating

Success: Erin had been working as a cook at Maclaren River lodge for five years and was ready for a career change. When things were slow, she got to run a skid steer and enjoyed it. She saw the AWP training opportunities on facebook, applied and took our one day heavy operating training. Erin was a natural so she went on to apply to the Operating Engineers Local 302 and was accepted in April 2023. AWP was able to provide her work gear through a support services grant. Erin took the accelerated 4 week apprenticeship training in May and went to work in June operating heavy equipment on JBER for Kiewit construction extending the runway. Erin is loving her new career and says she couldn’t have done it without AWP’s training, encouragement, support and guidance.

Paxton Wheeler

Training received: ACA Ironwork & Welding

Success:  Paxton was stationed in Alaska while serving as an Infantryman and a Paratrooper.  When his service was coming to an end he decided that he wanted to explore the trades and reached out to Alaska Works to receive some hands on construction training.  Paxton believed that the more technical experience he could put on his resume, the higher the chances would be that he would be selected for an apprenticeship. He applied to take an evening Ironwork & Welding training course and received high marks from his Instructors. 

Once the training was completed he decided to apply for an Elevator Mechanic Apprenticeship Position with the Local 19 and after a lengthy process he was finally accepted.

Since Paxton began his apprenticeship he has been fortunate enough to travel all over Alaska and make an incredibly lucrative living while receiving on the job training.  When asked about his experience with Alaska Works Paxton stated, “Alaska Works offered top notch training that made me feel confident in getting out of the Army and joining a trade a had no experience in.  I would highly recommend their program to anybody interested in working with their hands for a living”.

Ivan Voronin

Training received: Heavy Duty Service Oiler

Success: Ivan, a volunteer firefighter, police officer and
rescue firefighter at Fairbanks International Airport, also manages his own snow removal and dirt work business. Seeking to enhance his skill set, he enrolled in the Heavy Duty Service Oiler Training with Alaska Works Partnership in August 2023, envisioning improving equipment servicing and potential part-time
employment.

Post-training, Ivan applied for driver and maintenance positions, but a chance encounter at a Kenworth shop changed his trajectory. While picking up parts for his truck, he was offered an unexpected opportunity to work as a mechanic on semi-trucks. Armed with his Heavy Duty Service Oiler certificate, he secured a part-time mechanic role, seamlessly fitting into his existing schedule. Ivan is thriving in his newfound role, grateful for the change Alaska Works provided him to expand his career horizons.