Hilmajean Akerelrea’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of career education. After graduating from the Career Education Center, Hilmajean was at a crossroads. She was working as a manager at Sonic but wasn’t sure about her long-term career path. Her uncertainty shifted when she enrolled in Alaska Works Partnership’s electrical wiring and power tools training courses.
These training courses gave her foundational skills in electrical work and a deeper understanding of the trades. Through hands-on experience, Hilmajean found her confidence growing, along with a renewed sense of purpose. With this newfound confidence, she took the next step and applied for an apprenticeship.
Today, Hilmajean is proud to be a first-year wireman apprentice with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Her story is a powerful example of how education and determination can open doors, guiding her to a promising career in the electrical industry.















