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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.

Women in the Trades – Faces of Success

03/05/2024

Elsie Nayokpuk
Training received: Building Maintenance, Wood Framing, Sheetrock & Taping, Blueprint Reading, Math & 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 & 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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Austin Hatten
In June of 2023, Austin took a significant step towards his goal by applying to the IBEW apprenticeship program. Recognizing the importance of building a strong foundation for his future, he didn’t stop there. In July, he seized the opportunity to enhance his skill set by enrolling in Alaska Works Partnership’s telecommunications training.
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  • 04/09/2024
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Michael Abraham
Michael’s transition from military service to a fulfilling career in carpentry mirrors his unwavering determination and tenacity. After returning to Chefornak, Alaska, he initially worked as a substitute teacher. However, he soon realized his passion lay in hands-on work.
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  • 04/09/2024
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Women in the Trades – Faces of Success
Discover the inspiring journeys of Elsie Nayokpuk, Maya Vincent, Myriah Edwards, and Erin Harris, who found new career paths through trades training. Elsie's love for carpentry led her to AWP, landing her a job at F&E Contracting and contributing to vital housing projects. Maya embraced telecommunications training, excelling at H5 Contractors, and now plans to reapply for advanced programs. Myriah's welding skills got a boost through AWP, propelling her into a service-oiler apprenticeship. Erin transitioned from cooking to heavy equipment operation, thriving with AWP's support, and now working on major construction projects. These stories highlight how trades training can transform lives, opening doors to fulfilling careers and new opportunities.
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  • 03/05/2024
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Derek Harris
His initial pursuit of a position with IBEW hit a roadblock when changes in their interview process shuffled his ranking lower. Undeterred, Derek decided to take proactive measures. Recognizing the value of upskilling, he enrolled in Alaska Works Partnership’s telecommunications training, a strategic move to bolster his qualifications and perform better in future interviews.
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  • 01/02/2024
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Faces of Success
Alaska Works Student success. Trent Moss - Telecommunications Nancy libao - Carpentry Erin Harris - Heavy Equipment Operating Paxton Wheeler - Elevator Technician Ivan Voronin - Diesel Mechanic
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  • 01/02/2024
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Tanori Perry
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 future for his growing family. With a goal of settling in Alaska, Tanori explored various options before ultimately setting his settings on the teamsters apprenticeship.
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  • 01/02/2024
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Kenna Bates - Alaska Works Student Success
Kenna Bates
Kenna engaged in multiple AWP trainings and even applied to the IBEW, ultimately landing a spot on their waiting list. During this period, she continued her training with us, worked as a stage hand at a performing arts center, and assisted friends with home renovation projects. These experiences culminated in a new career as a Stage Hand Carpenter with the Anchorage Opera.
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  • 01/02/2024
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Manny Acuna
Manny Acuna, an Air Force veteran, came to Alaska 20 years ago. After transitioning from the military, he discovered Alaska Works through Helmets to Hardhats. With an associate degree in project management, Manny explored construction trades through various classes, ultimately falling in love with electrical work. He joined the IBEW apprenticeship program with assistance from the Alaska Works team, starting as an apprentice on a power plant in Anchorage. Despite initial challenges, Manny's perseverance led to financial success and job satisfaction. Now a general foreman, he will become a project manager next season. Manny advises aspiring apprentices to start early, maintain a positive attitude, take initiative, and be punctual. In his limited free time, he serves as the school board president for the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School, urging others to volunteer and engage in their community.
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  • 12/05/2023
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Darren Bunde
"The classes have helped me understand more of the trade and what is involved. It’s amazing that Alaskan carpenters build everything from dirt to doorknobs,"
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  • 04/16/2023
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