From student to project manager - Success Story
Manny Acuna came to Alaska 20 years ago with the Air Force where he served for 13 years as an egress technician for fighter jets and other military aircraft.
He found out about Alaska works through Helmets to Hardhats a year after he transitioned out of the military and got his associate degree in project management. He knew he wanted to work with his hands and make a career in the construction trades but was not quite sure which trade was right for him, so he signed up for a few classes to try things out. He took our 2-week plumbing, pipefitting, and welding class, then electrical wiring, and OSHA 10. He fell in love with electrical work and decided to apply to the IBEW apprenticeship program. The Alaska Works team helped him prepare for the interview and he was accepted in the program.
His first job as an apprentice was working on a power plant in Anchorage and since then he has worked on numerous projects around town and in rural areas. From hospitals to law offices, theaters, hotels, airports, street lighting and even heat pumps, Manny has done a variety of projects that he talks about with great pride.
He admits the first couple of years were a little rough; 8 years ago, when he started, work was not as consistent as it is today, but he stuck with it and found not only financial success, but satisfaction in the work he does.
Manny journeyed out of his apprenticeship program about a year ago and since then he has been working as a general foreman and will start as a project manager next season.
When we asked him what advice he has for people thinking about joining an apprenticeship he encouraged them to start now – “the sooner the better so you can start building your pension” he said that in order to be successful as an apprentice you must have a good attitude, take initiative, and show up on time, ready to work.
On his very limited free time, Manny serves as the school board president for the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School in Anchorage, and he is encouraging everyone to volunteer and get involved in their community.
