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.


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Women in the Trades – Faces of Success

03/05/2024

Elsie Nayokpuk
Training received: Building Maintenance, Wood Framing, Sheetrock & Taping, Blueprint Reading, Math and Optical Instruments, Power Tools
Success: 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 Housing Authority (CIHA). Elsie's journey continued as she joined the ABC apprenticeship program, thriving in her career.

Maya Vincent
Training received: Telecommunications.
Success: Maya was always interested in Telecommunications and was excited to take our training. She really enjoyed it and decided to apply for a construction-related position with H5 contractors in Wasilla and was hired in the fall of 2023. Maya plans on reapplying to the IBEW Telecommunications in March 2024, she was not accepted the first time because she needed more experience and now she has plenty. Maya likes working for H5 and does framing work mostly, she is pictured here on her job site in Wasilla.

Myriah Edwards
Training received: Electrical Wiring, Intro to Welding and First Aid / CPR / AED
Success: Myriah Edwards had her sights set on a welding-related career in the industrial trades, although she wasn’t sure where or how. With prior welding experience, Myriah moved forward with a focused intent on refreshing her welding skills and getting back in the game. After completing 40 hours of welding training with the Alaska Operating Engineers, she learned about the service oiler apprenticeship and was thrilled to face such an opportunity! She applied and was accepted, and now looks forward to helping the industry fleet keep moving as construction continues season after season!

Hailey Chacon
Training received: Fairbanks Construction Academy Weatherization, Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship
Success: Hailey’s journey to success was a quest for fulfillment through exploration and seizing opportunities. After college she worked various jobs, but none satisfied her longing for hands-on work and a good wage. After discovering Alaska Works Partnership, she found her passion in the trades through training and attending the Women in Construction event reignited her drive. In March 2023, she applied to IBEW, becoming a first-year telecom apprentice.
Today Hailey is thriving, finding fulfillment and camaraderie while mastering new skills. Her story inspires others to pursue their passions and embrace unconventional paths to success.

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Caden Estrada

Caden had a clear vision for his future while still in high school—he wanted a successful career in the skilled trades. Intrigued by the possibilities   within the electrical field, he knew that hands-on work and a strong foundation in math were crucial to his goals. In 2021, while still in high school, Caden took a  […]

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Cody Butkiewicz

After a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, Cody Butkiewicz was ready for a new direction. Seeking a fulfilling career in the trades, he completed the Veterans Electrical Entry Program (VEEP) and set his sights on joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). To further prepare  himself, Cody partnered with Alaska Works Partnership, where […]

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Gary Chin

Gary’s journey towards becoming an electrician began with the electrical pre-apprenticeship program he completed through Alaska Works Partnership in November 2017. That initial training set the stage for a rewarding career in the electrical field, laying a strong foundation in the skills and confidence he needed to progress. Fast forward to November 2023, when Gary […]

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Helmajean Akerelrea

Hilmajean Akerelrea’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of career education. After graduating from the Career Education Center, Hilmajean was at a crossroads. She was working as a manager at Sonic but wasn’t sure about her long-term career path. Her uncertainty shifted when she enrolled in Alaska Works Partnership’s electrical wiring and power tools training courses. […]

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Jennifer Boyer

Jenn began her career in heavy equipment with Healy Lake Village Council as an expeditor, where she sourced and managed supplies, oversaw financial submissions, and managed grants. She later took on the role of foreman for a landfill project, leading a team of seven, ensuring safety protocols were followed, and completing the project successfully. Her […]

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John Calhoun

John’s passion for the electrical trade began in high school, where he set his sights on a career in the industry. Eager to get a head start, he signed up for courses with Alaska Works Partnership to gain hands-on skills and technical knowledge. He completed classes in Telecommunications, Electrical Wiring, First Aid, and OSHA 10 […]

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Mason Jefferies

Mason’s story with Alaska Works Partnership began in 2014, when he participated in the Rigging and Hand Signal training. This initial exposure to foundational trade skills sparked his interest in electrical work, and after completing the training, he applied to the IBEW Inside Wireman apprenticeship program. With commitment and hard work, Mason stayed in the […]

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Jacob Buzby

Jacob Buzby's Journey to Becoming a Journeyman Operator Jacob Buzby’s career path began in early 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a few months before his 18th birthday. He had a clear goal: to pursue a career in construction. Referred to Alaska Works, Jacob wasted no time and enrolled in the […]

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Youth Apprenticeship – Faces of Success:

Noah SwitzerTraining received: Building Maintenance and Telecommunications Success: Noah engaged in several educational opportunities offered by Alaska Works, immersing himself in various courses to explore his interests and develop his skills. However, it was during his enrollment in the Telecommunications class that he experienced a significant breakthrough. Within the span of just six months, Noah's […]


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