Alaska Works Partnership, Success Stories

Read our inspiring stories about students who have taken advantage of our programs and services at Alaska Works Partnership. Be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions. We're ready to help you start your career in the construction trades today.


Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Success

We are thrilled to share the news of Kirk McKibben's success in his apprenticeship program! Kirk has spent his entire working career in manual labor jobs, but he wanted to move toward a career that would provide more opportunities for growth and development.

After completing a 40-hour training in heavy equipment operating, Kirk knew that he had found his calling. He pursued several employment leads and landed a job with a local contractor. Kirk's strong work ethic and dedication to his craft paid off when he received a $3 hourly raise just weeks into his new position.

But Kirk's success did not stop there. He received word that he had been accepted into the Alaska Operating Engineers' apprenticeship program as an equipment operator. This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to Kirk's commitment to his craft.

We are proud of Kirk's accomplishments and wish him all the best as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. This apprenticeship program will provide him with invaluable skills, knowledge, and experience that will serve him well in the years to come.

Kirk's story is an inspiration to all of us. It reminds us that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn, we can achieve great things. We hope that his success will inspire others to pursue their dreams and never give up on their goals.

Congratulations to you Kirk, on your apprenticeship success! We look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the future.

Read More Stories
Darren Bunde

Carpentry Apprenticeship Success Darren had been working at a local pizza shop in Anchorage for several years when he realized he wanted a career change. Despite having no previous experience in construction trades, he decided to take a chance and enroll in the Alaska Works Carpentry 1 program. Little did he know, this decision would […]

Kirk McKibben

Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Success We are thrilled to share the news of Kirk McKibben's success in his apprenticeship program! Kirk has spent his entire working career in manual labor jobs, but he wanted to move toward a career that would provide more opportunities for growth and development. After completing a 40-hour training in heavy equipment […]

Trinity Nusbaum Carpentry Apprenticeship Success
Trinity Nusbaum

Apprenticeship Success Meet Trinity Nusbaum, a young woman who has already made great strides in her career as a carpenter. Trinity's journey began after high school, where she worked in coffee shops and gyms, establishing a good work ethic, but craving a new challenge. That challenge came in the form of exploring the construction trades […]

Elijah Watts

Apprenticeship Success - Fairbanks From working as a customer service representative at a local Jiffy Lube in Fairbanks, Alaska, Elija Watts transitioned into exploring career-oriented options that would pique his interest. His journey led him to carpentry, a trade that he found fascinating after watching the construction of a local skate park. After working a […]

 Kaden Blevins

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 […]

Jaclyn Johnson

Telecom Apprenticeship Success Jaclyn’s journey towards a fulfilling career is a great 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 […]

Cameryn Olson

Apprenticeship Success - Nome Alaska Nineteen year old Cameryn Olson is fast pursuing a life of great accomplishments. After a couple of temporary jobs straight out of high school, Cameryn landed at Norton Sound Health Corporation in the Ophthalmology department, earning a decent wage.More was desired, as she had always had her eyes on heavy […]

Philip Andrew Career success
Philip Andrew

Career Success Meet Philip, a man who is a jack of all trades and a single dad to six wonderful sons. He was born and raised in the village of New Stuyahok, Alaska, where he worked various labor jobs. However, it wasn't until he discovered his love for construction that he decided to pursue a […]

Emily Campbell

Apprenticeship Success Emily Campbell's story is a very inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the power of second chances. Despite facing personal challenges, Emily was able to turn her life around through hard work, support, and training. Emily's journey began when she participated in the Cadet to Work Program (CWP) through AMYA and Alaska Works […]

  • 1
  • 2

Categories: Success Stories

Stay Connected


Women in the Trades Success

All Female Learning Environment


Helmets to Hardhats Success

Free Training for Veterans


AWAY Youth Class

Apprenticeship Works for Alaska's Youth


Take Advantage of Our Free Programs Today

AWP Class Interaction Image

Free Construction Training!

Sign Up Now for a Better Future


Alaska Works Partnership offers free, introductory training to get you started on your career in the construction, mining, oil & gas, maritime, and transportation industries.