Kaden’s Journey to Becoming a Plumber:
How One High School Student Found His Passion
Kaden Blevins' story is a great example of how a chance encounter can change the trajectory of one’s life.
Growing up in Colorado, Kaden never imagined himself becoming a plumber. However, when his family moved to Eagle River, AK, he found himself working part-time at Wal-Mart and Walgreens during high school. It wasn’t until his junior year that he discovered his passion for plumbing.
One day, a teacher at Eagle River High School informed Kaden about a free plumbing, pipefitting, and welding training program offered to high school students through the Alaska Works Partnership and Anchorage School District. Intrigued by the opportunity, Kaden decided to apply and was accepted into the program.
During the 40-hour training program, Kaden quickly excelled in the skills he was taught. He discovered that he enjoyed working with his hands and found a sense of fulfillment in completing tasks that required precision and attention to detail. By the end of the training program, Kaden knew that he wanted to pursue a career in plumbing.
Through the training program, Kaden learned about the Plumbers and Steamfitters apprenticeship program, which would allow him to continue his education and training in plumbing while working in the field. His case manager at the Alaska Works Partnership helped him with the application process and prepared him for his interview.
In March 2023, Kaden received the news he had been waiting for: he had been accepted into the Plumbers and Steamfitters apprenticeship program. He was set to begin his first year of classes in April and would start working in the field in May.
Kaden’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity and the impact that educators and mentors can have on the lives of their students. Thanks to the Alaska Works Partnership and Kaden’s teacher, he was able to discover his passion for plumbing and pursue a career in a field that he loves.
For other high school students who may be unsure about their career paths, Kaden’s story serves as a reminder to keep an open mind and explore new opportunities. You never know where they might lead you.
