Training Information

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Alaska Works metal studs Construction Training
Free Training for Jobs that Pay

Trainings are offered in Anchorage, Mat-Su, Fairbanks & Kenai. Scroll down to see location schedules.

  • Classes that are not designated for a particular program are eligible for anyone to apply.
  • 16 and older are eligible to apply but some training requires you to be 18.
  • (WIT) Women in the Trades – these classes are specifically for females only.
  • (H2H) Helmets to Hardhats – these classes are specifically for Veterans, Transitioning Service Members, Guard and Reserves, and Active-Duty Spouses.
  • Did you know that over 50% of new building trades apprentices have taken classes through AWP each year? Sign up today to continue your pathway toward a high-paying, fulfilling construction career.

Career Training at No Cost to You!

Health and Safety Training

Free First Aid/CPR/AED Certifications

OSHA 10 training and Certification are available to former students only

Anchorage Training

Browse available training courses, schedules, and times for Anchorage and Chugiak.

Class Description:Training Dates:Days and Times:
Ironwork & WeldingOctober 16th - 20th, 2023Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Building Foundations & FormworkOctober 17th - 19th, 2023Tuesday - Thursday 8AM to 4:30PM
Building MaintenanceOctober 23rd - November 3rd, 2023Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Introduction to Concrete (Chugiak)November 6th - 7th, 2023Monday - Tuesday 8AM to 4:30PM
Laborers Scaffold User (Chugiak)November 8th- 9th, 2023Wednesday - Thursday 8AM to 4:30PM
Welding (Evenings)December 4th - 8th, 2023Monday - Friday 5:30PM to 9:30PM
CarpentryJanuary 8th - 12th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Electrical Wiring (Evenings)December 9th - 16th, 2023Sat - Sun 8AM to 3:30PM & Mon - Fri 5:30PM to 9:30PM
Plumbing & HVACDecember 11th - 15th, 2023Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Telecommunications Workshop (Evenings) December 12th - 16th, 2023uesday - Friday 5:30PM to 9:30PM & Saturday 8AM to 4:30PM
CarpentryJanuary 8th - 12th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Introduction to Concrete (Chugiak) January 8th - 9th, 2024Monday - Tuesday 8AM to 4:30PM
Laborers Scaffold User (Chugiak)January 10th - 11th, 2024Wednesday - Thursday 8AM to 4:30PM
Ironwork & WeldingJanuary 22nd - 26th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Residential Wood FramingJanuary 22nd - 26th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Welding (Evenings)January 22nd - 26th, 2024Monday - Friday 5:30PM to 9:30PM
Power Tools (Evenings) February 5th - 16th, 2024Monday - Friday 5:30PM to 9:30PM
Welding (Evenings)February 5th - 9th, 2024Monday - Friday 5:30PM to 9:30PM
Structural Welding February 21st - 23rd, 2024Wednesday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
WIT Construction Driver (CDL Permit Required)February 26th - March 1st, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
H2H Residential Wood FramingFebruary 26th - March 1st, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
WIT Carpentry (Evenings)March 18th - 29th, 2024Monday - Friday 5:30PM to 9:30PM
CarpentryApril 1st - 5th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Ironwork & WeldingApril 8th - 12th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Sheet Metal & HVAC TechApril 8th - 12th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Rigging, Piledriving & WeldingApril 8th - 12th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Power ToolsApril 15th - 19th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Carpentry (Evenings)April 22nd - May 3rd, 2024Monday - Friday 5:30PM to 9:30PM
H2H CarpentryMay 6th - 10th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Telecommunications WorkshopMay 8th - 10th, 2024Wednesday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Framing & SheetrockJune 10th - 14th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Residential Wood FramingJune 24th - 28th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM

MAT-SU Training

Browse available training courses, schedules, and times for the Mat-Su Valley.

Class Description:Training Dates:Days and Times:
Electrical Wiring October 2nd - 6th, 2023Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
CarpentryOctober 23rd - 27th, 2023Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Telecommunications Workshop (Evenings)November 3rd – 8th, 2023Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 5:30PM to 9:30PM & Saturday 8AM to 4:30PM
Power Tools (Evenings)November 27th - December 8th, 2023Monday - Friday 5:30PM to 9:30PM
Framing & SheetrockJanuary 8th - 12th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Carpentry (Evenings)February 5th - 16th, 2024Friday 5:30PM to 9:30PM
Telecommunications WorkshopMarch 6th - 8th, 2024Wednesday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
CarpentryApril 22nd - 26th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Power ToolsMay 13th - 17th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM

Fairbanks Training

Browse available training courses, schedules, and times for Fairbanks.

Class Description:Training Dates:Days and Times:
Electrical WiringOctober 9th - 13th, 2023Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
CarpentryOctober 23rd - 27th, 2023Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Power ToolsNovember 1st - 3rd, 2023Wednesday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Basic Building Science & WeatherizationDecember 4th - 5th, 2023Monday - Tuesday 8AM to 4:30PM
How to Read Building PlansDecember 6th - 8th, 2023Wednesday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Residential Wood FramingFebruary 5th - 9th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Sheetrock & TapingFebruary 12th - 16th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Intro to North Slope Pipeline ConstructionFebruary 26th - March 1st, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
WIT Electrical WiringMarch 4th - 8th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Intro to PlumbingApril 1st - 3rd, 2024Monday - Wednesday 8AM to 4:30PM
Intro to WeldingApril 4th - 5th, 2024Thursday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Intro to WeldingApril 8th - 9th, 2024 Monday - Tuesday 8AM to 4:30PM
Intro to PlumbingApril 10th -12th, 2024 Wednesday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Intro to North Slope Pipeline ConstructionApril 22nd - 26th, 2024Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
H2H Intro to PlumbingMay 6th - 8th, 2024 Monday - Wednesday 8AM to 4:30PM
WIT Intro to WeldingMay 9th - 10th, 2024Thursday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM

Kenai Training

Browse available training courses, schedules, and times for Kenai

Class Description:Training Dates:Days and Times:
Session 1: Roustabout TrainingSeptember 25-29, 2023Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
Sessions 2: CarpentryOctober 2 - 28, 2023Monday & Wednesday, 6PM - 9PM and Saturday, 8AM - 4PM
Session 2: ElectricalOctober 2 - 28, 2023Monday & Wednesday, 6PM - 9PM and Saturday, 8AM - 4PM
Session 2: PlumbingOctober 2 - 28, 2023Monday & Wednesday, 6PM - 9PM and Saturday, 8AM - 4PM
Session 2: WeldingOctober 2 - 28, 2023Monday & Wednesday, 6PM - 9PM and Saturday, 8AM - 4PM
Session 2: Intro to Diesel MechanicsOctober 2 - 28, 2023Monday & Wednesday, 6PM - 9PM and Saturday, 8AM - 4PM

Now is a Great Time to Get Started

Carpentry and Framing

Sheetrock and Taping

Plumbing and Pipefitting

Telecommunications

Electrical Wiring

Ironwork and Welding

Sheetmetal and HVAC

Heavy Equipment Operating and Mechanics

Building Maintenance

Construction Craft Laborer Training

Class Descriptions :


**Blueprint Reading, Math, and Scaffold User (former students only):

Training covers basic residential print reading skills, abbreviations, plot plans, foundation plans, floor plans, exterior elevations, section views, details, framing plans, door & window schedules, finish schedules, and specifications.


*Building Maintenance:

This hands-on training covers building maintenance and repair items including Installing door hardware and finished trim, framing metal stud and wood walls with window and door openings, sheetrock, mud, tape and texture patch and repair, basic plumbing, and electrical. Trades math with a layout using the 3-4-5 method. Introduction to cabinets and countertops, and flooring basics.


*Carpentry 1:

Training covers the basics of carpentry and trades math. Accurate reading and use of tape measure, hammer, saw, 3-4-5 layout method, and safe use of hand and power tools. Using skills learned in class, participants build the following projects: a footstool, and a set of stairs to a platform. Construction site education, safety, and carpenter expectations are also covered.


Carpentry 2:

Training with classroom instruction and hands-on covers the following: floor construction, exterior wall framing with windows and doors, and a gable roof. Students apply the skills they learn by building a miniature house.


*Electrical Wiring:

Training covers: Basic electrical theory, electrical code, blueprints, and tool safety. Hands-on training includes – wiring switches, GFCI receptacles, duplex receptacles, panels, 3-way and 4-way switches, bending EMT, and rigid conduit. Students apply the skills they learn by assembling and wiring a lamp with a light switch, outlets, and USB receptacles.


**First Aid/CPR/AED (Former Students only):

Combines adult CPR, AED, and first aid training in a program designed for the occupational first aid provider. This comprehensive program meets OSHA and other federal and state regulatory requirements for training people on how to respond to and care for medical emergencies at work.


Heavy & Light Duty Mechanics (Mat-Su & Fairbanks):

Training covers introductory instruction in Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanics. Modules include hydraulics, drivetrains, fuel systems, exhaust systems, electrical functions, and troubleshooting techniques. The proper use of tools and job site safety will be included in the instruction.


Heavy & Light Duty Service Oiler (Fairbanks):

This introductory training covers: an introduction to apprenticeship, road construction, shop work, pit work, fuel points, lube points, oil points, inspection, and problem identification. Also covered will be specific duties of an oiler, responsibilities, punctuality and skill set, work ethic expectations, time management and attitude.


*Heavy Equipment Operating (Mat-Su & Fairbanks):

Training covers classroom instruction in the Alaska Safety Handbook, Camps & Safety Orientation, Environmental Excellence, Hazard Communication, Hazwopper Awareness, Personal Protective Equipment, Hydrogen Sulfide, and includes Hands-on practice on heavy equipment including; Hydraulic Excavator, Dozer & Front-end Loader. Equipment training covers how to conduct pre-operational 360° walkarounds, control familiarization, basic equipment functions, basic operating techniques, and safety rules and practices.


Intro to Building Foundations and Formwork:

Training covers 3-days of the basics of building the concrete forms required for a strong foundation for any structure. This course includes training on the safe use of the hand and power tools needed for this type of work, common types of hardware used when building concrete forms, building concrete footing and concrete wall forms, and setting forms to elevation.


Introduction to Concrete (16 Hours):

Training provides foundational hands-on skills in the placement, curing, finishing, and safe work practices in the concrete industry. Please wear work clothes and boots that you don’t mind getting dirty in. Other required supplies will be provided. This is an introduction to working with concrete, which is a critical component of the construction industry.


Introduction to Pipelaying (16 Hours):

Training will provide participants with knowledge and skills used to install storm drain systems. Skills include proper safety and usage of soil compacting equipment, laser levels, and practice working around heavy equipment. Please wear work clothes and boots that you don’t mind getting dirty in.


Intro to North Slope Pipeline Construction (Fairbanks Only):

Training with classroom instruction and hands-on training includes an introduction to pipeline construction and the various types of work that Construction Craft Laborers are responsible for. This may include basic hoisting and rigging, scaffolding, and insulation of pipe among many other job duties performed when working on the Trans Alaska Pipeline System or in the North Slope oil fields.


*Ironwork & Welding (Welding – Fairbanks):

Training with classroom instruction and hands-on training includes; Vertical and horizontal stick welding, oxygen and acetylene cutting, hands-on tools and materials, hazard awareness, and work site safety. Identify and use safe welding practices, identify joint design and fit-up, set up a welding machine, and identify electrode selection. Participants learn basic rebar wire tying and reinforcing practices, basic structural ironworking and rigging practices, and basic rough terrain forklift operation and hand signals.


Laborers Field Challenge:

Participants will be split into three groups, including several physically demanding activities for two full days. The activities are structured to give the applicant a true understanding of the type of work that Laborers are responsible for on construction job sites. Applicants must be in good physical condition to complete these timed, hands-on activities, which include carrying concrete blocks 100’ and properly stacking them, erecting and tearing down scaffolding, moving two cubic yards of material by wheelbarrow, and digging a trench with a pick and shovel.


Laborers Scaffold User (16 Hours):

This training covers correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, maintaining and inspecting scaffold, proper use and handling of material on the scaffold, fall protection, falling object protection, and the associated safety wear.


Maritime - Deep Dive Into Seagoing Jobs:

This training is a deep dive into careers on or near the water (maritime). It will highlight the different sectors you can work in, how much they pay, and what training or credentials are necessary for you to work in the industry. There will be a particular emphasis on the sea-going career opportunities called “mariners”. This training will include as few lectures as possible, videos, panel discussions, and tours and is packed with hands‐on activities… like survival gear races; building a personal survival kit; knot tying; hands-on exercises to show how electricity, hydraulics, and engines work; a tour of the Port of Alaska; a tour of a TOTE Maritime Alaska Ship; earn a first aid, CPR and AED certification; and opportunities to actually talk with and learn from mariners or former mariner who now work on shore from across the industry.


Maritime 101 - Career Orientations:

This training is an introduction to careers on or near the water (maritime) in Alaska. It will highlight the different sectors you can work in, how much they pay, what training or credentials are necessary for you to work in maritime. We will talk about the advantages and limitations of these careers so your eyes will be wide open to the possibilities. There will be a particular emphasis on the sea-going career opportunities called “mariners”. There is a global shortage of mariners (people who work on ships). There is a shortage of mariners within the United States, so there are careers waiting for YOU, right now! If you want to make really good money, have great benefits, have opportunities for advancement, flexibility, and travel the world making a difference… this Maritime 101 course might be the beginning of an amazing journey for you!


Metal Studs Framing / Sheetrock & Taping:

Training covers the basics of carpentry and trades math. Accurate reading and use of a tape measure, 3-4-5 layout method, and safe use of power tools. Hands-on covers layout and framing of walls which will be attached to partitions and squared. Material handling, storage, layout, cutting, application and installation of sheetrock, proper application of joint compound, tape and corner bead, and patch/repair of sheetrock. Participants also learn the difference between using metal and wood studs.


**OSHA 10 (Former Students only):

Provides entry-level construction workers information about their rights and employer responsibilities and how to file a complaint. Emphasizes how to identify, abate, control, avoid and prevent job-related hazards on a construction site. Covers a variety of construction safety and health hazards that a worker may come across on a construction site as well as personal protective equipment (PPE).


Pipe Trades (Fairbanks Only):

Training covers: Theoretical and hands-on applications regarding the various pipe trades, including introductory skills and knowledge about the different types of pipes, tubing, fittings, and joining techniques used in the pipe trades industry and the different types of systems they would create.


*Plumbing, Pipefitting & Welding (Anchorage Only):

Training covers Soldering and brazing, oxy-acetylene torch set-up and cutting, pipe threading, pro-press fittings, and methods of joining. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) practice, welding-metallurgy. Drainage, waste, vent fittings, soil pipe methods of joining and cutting, plumbing fixtures, and roof drains. Plumbing and pipefitting tools, pipe beveling, Oakie Beveller, and Tri-Tool. Introduction to hangers, supports, valves, and use of ladders, and plumbing codes.


*Plumbing & HVAC (Anchorage Only):

Training covers: Basic plumbing systems and codes. Hands-on activities will include soldering of pipes, installation of pex fittings, threading pipe, and setting plumbing fixtures. This training will also cover basic HVAC including how a basic refrigeration cycle works, boilers and boiler maintenance, and simple low-voltage control systems for heating systems.


Power Tools:

Training covers The ability to quickly and accurately use a tape measure and the general safety, size, types, marking, and cutting of lumber. Safety, operation, and proper use of a variety of power tools used in the construction industry including; Orbital sander, finish sander, compound miter saw, router, jig saw, Kreg jig, drill, impact driver, and belt sander. Students will construct several small projects and complete tasks using various power tools.


Residential Wood Framing:

Training covers layout for wood framing using 16 & 24-inch O.C. layout, design placement, and use of wall framing, door, and window components. Conventional gable roof framing techniques are also covered for wood rafters, ceiling joists, lookouts, barge rafters, and roof sheathing.


Rigging, Piledriving & Welding:

Training covers the basics of the Piledriving trade including; safe hoisting & rigging techniques, universal hand signals, rigging mathematics, types of pile, welding & splicing, cast-in-place concrete, & the daily rigors of a Piledriver.


Scaffold User:

This training covers correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, maintaining, and inspecting scaffold, proper use and handling of the material on the scaffold, fall protection, falling object protection, and the associated safety wear.


*Sheet Metal & HVAC:

Training covers the basics of Sheet Metal Work. Learn to build 3-D objects from flat sheets of metal. Learn about HVAC systems and how to fabricate and install ductwork. Use your brain to calculate cut sizes, your hands to fabricate intricate sheet metal pieces and your brawn to install the piece where it belongs.


Sheetrock & Taping:

Training covers materials, handling, storage, layout, cutting, application, and installation of sheetrock (drywall). Proper application of joint compound, tape, and then corner bead to provide a finished appearance to sheetrock.


Structural Welding:

This introduction to the welding workshop starts with safety first. Using an oxy-acetylene torch, students learn how to cut, prep, and fit metal test coupons. Students will then practice and test their skills with structural welding in multiple positions using the Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW) and Flux-Cored ARC (FCAW) welding processes.


Telecommunications:

Training covers exposure to basic principles in the telecommunications industry including central office operations, outside plant line and splicing work, installation and repair, data and key/PBX, simple termination and testing of category 5E cabling, network interface device installation techniques, block terminations, basic AC/DC theory as it relates to telecommunications and principles of light and fiber optics.


Underground Utility Construction (Chugiak):

This training includes an introduction to the fundamentals of water, sewer, and storm drain utilities. Identification and education in the use of tools used in the field. Basic skills in tool use and equipment identification. Overview of and education in the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).


Welding II (Fairbanks Only):

Training will include skills and knowledge of the pipefitting and pipeline welding industries. The class will include hands-on and classroom training in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick), oxy/acetylene cutting and beveling, pipe prep and fit-up, hazard recognition, and an introduction to trade mathematics. Students will also learn about welding machine setup and electrode identification/selection.


Welding Fabrication:

Training covers the techniques used in the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Participants will learn and practice the safe process of oxy-acetylene cutting and arc welding as well as the proper use of tools and job site safety.


WIT Truck Driver (Apprenticeship):

Participants must already have their CDL permit: This 2-week training will include a 4-day theory curriculum for basic operation and safe operating practices and 5 days of the hands-on fundamentals of driving a tractor-trailer and getting industry experience.”

*Trades basic skills training. **Trade Ready Training. Training that is part of a Quality Pre–Apprenticeship (QPA) Program. See the QPA Framework for more information under the Apprenticeship tab.


Minimum Qualifications:

Have a career interest in the trades, and be at least 18 years of age.


Have a photo ID, and Social Security card (A passport or Birth Certificate can also be used).


Other documents may be needed if selected.