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 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.

Read More Stories
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 […]

Kirk McKibben

Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Success We are thrilled to share the news of Kirk McKibben's success in his apprenticeship program! Kirk has spent his entire working career in manual labor jobs, but he wanted to move toward a career that would provide more opportunities for growth and development. After completing a 40-hour training in heavy equipment […]

Trinity Nusbaum Carpentry Apprenticeship Success
Trinity Nusbaum

Apprenticeship Success Meet Trinity Nusbaum, a young woman who has already made great strides in her career as a carpenter. Trinity's journey began after high school, where she worked in coffee shops and gyms, establishing a good work ethic, but craving a new challenge. That challenge came in the form of exploring the construction trades […]

Elijah Watts

Apprenticeship Success - Fairbanks From working as a customer service representative at a local Jiffy Lube in Fairbanks, Alaska, Elija Watts transitioned into exploring career-oriented options that would pique his interest. His journey led him to carpentry, a trade that he found fascinating after watching the construction of a local skate park. After working a […]

 Kaden Blevins

Kaden’s Journey to Becoming a Plumber: How One High School Student Found His Passion Kaden Blevins' story is a great example of how a chance encounter can change the trajectory of one’s life. Growing up in Colorado, Kaden never imagined himself becoming a plumber. However, when his family moved to Eagle River, AK, he found […]

Jaclyn Johnson

Telecom Apprenticeship Success Jaclyn’s journey towards a fulfilling career is a great testament to the impact that Alaska Works Partnership (AWP) can have on individuals. In just a few interactions, AWP staff were able to introduce Jaclyn to the world of construction training and the opportunities available to her. This led her to apply for […]

Cameryn Olson

Apprenticeship Success - Nome Alaska Nineteen year old Cameryn Olson is fast pursuing a life of great accomplishments. After a couple of temporary jobs straight out of high school, Cameryn landed at Norton Sound Health Corporation in the Ophthalmology department, earning a decent wage.More was desired, as she had always had her eyes on heavy […]

Philip Andrew Career success
Philip Andrew

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 […]

Emily Campbell

Apprenticeship Success Emily Campbell's story is a very inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the power of second chances. Despite facing personal challenges, Emily was able to turn her life around through hard work, support, and training. Emily's journey began when she participated in the Cadet to Work Program (CWP) through AMYA and Alaska Works […]

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