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.


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 career in the trades.

In 2007, Philip joined the Alaska Works Partnership (AWP) Building Maintenance apprenticeship program, which allowed him to gain valuable skills through on-the-job training. He even helped build ten houses in his hometown and worked on numerous construction-related jobs in his community and beyond.

But Philip's skills don't end there. As a single dad, he has taught his six sons some trade skills, and he's always looking to expand his knowledge to make himself more employable. In July 2022, he completed the AWP Heavy and Light Duty Mechanics training in Palmer, thanks to travel support services provided by his case manager.

Philip's hard work and dedication paid off when he landed a Carpenter position with ANTHC, starting on April 3rd, 2023. But that's not all. He was also offered a night truck driving job with ASRC, which he happily accepted and will start in May 2023.

It's amazing to see someone like Philip who has taken charge of his life and pursued his passions, all while raising six children on his own. He's an inspiration to us all, showing that with hard work and determination, we can achieve our dreams and provide for our families.

Read More Stories
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Austin Hatten

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Michael Abraham

Michael's journey is a testament to perseverance and ambition. While serving his country in the Army Reserves, he didn't let his commitments deter him from pursuing his dreams. When he wasn't fulfilling his reserve duties, he found employment as a substitute teacher in his hometown of Chefornak, Alaska. Determined to expand his horizons, Michael set […]

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Women in the Trades – Faces of Success

Elsie NayokpukTraining received: Building Maintenance, Wood Framing, Sheetrock & Taping, Blueprint Reading, Math and Optical Instruments, Power ToolsSuccess: Elsie, passionate about Carpentry, turned to Alaska Works Partnership (AWP) for support. Through AWP, she immersed herself in training, refined her resume, and successfully landed a job at F&E Contracting, contributing to affordable housing for Cook Inlet […]

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Derek Harris

Training received: FCA Telecommunications Success: Derek’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, a testament to his resilience and determination as he navigated a significant career transition. With sixteen years of military service, Derek stepped into civilian life in July 2023 with a drive to secure stable employment and provide for his family. His initial pursuit […]

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Faces of Success

Ivan Voronin Training received: Heavy Duty Service Oiler Success: Ivan, a volunteer firefighter, police officer andrescue 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 […]

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Tanori Perry

Training received: FCA 80-hour Carpentry Training, October 2016 Success: Tanori’s determination and commitment paid off in a big way. After completing the 80-hour Carpentry training with Alaska Works Partnership in 2016, he knew he wanted to expand his skill set beyond his military background. As a devoted family man, he sought to secure a stable […]

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Kenna Bates

Training received: Heavy and Light Duty Mechanics, Sheetmetal & HVAC, Telecommunications, First Aid / CPR / AED, OSHA-10, Electrical Wiring, Carpentry, Structural Welding, Building Maintenance Success:Kenna initially joined AWP seeking opportunities for career advancement, having been limited to part-time work due to childcare responsibilities. Uncertain about her path, she explored options such as taking training […]

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Manny Acuna

From student to project manager - Success Story Manny Acuna came to Alaska twenty 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 […]

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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 […]


Categories: Success Stories

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