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.


Noah Switzer
Training 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 journey of self-discovery and professional growth led him to apply and be accepted into the IBEW as a telecommunications technician. He embraced his role within the IBEW and is poised to make a meaningful impact in the telecommunications industry.

Gabriel Browner
Training received: ACA Ironwork & Welding, MCA OSHA-10

Success: Straight out of high school to a welding fabrication job, Gabriel knew he wanted to make a career in the welding trades. After completing a 40-hour Ironwork & Welding training, he followed it up with a 10-hour OSHA certification.

With a good sense of the hands-on responsibilities of an Ironworker, Gabriel applied to the Ironworkers’ apprenticeship program where he was interviewed and accepted. He is excited about his new career and looks forward to getting to work.

Asher Wells
Training received: FCA Intro to Plumbing and Pipefitting, FCA Welding

Success: From the halls of high school to the bustling world of plumbing and pipefitting, Asher's trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable.

Fueled by a thirst for knowledge, he started his journey with Alaska Works Partnership (AWP) as a curious student, eager to explore the trades. With each training session attended Asher honed his skills and fortified his determination, laying the groundwork for a promising future.

When the opportunity to join the Plumbers and Pipefitters apprenticeship presented itself, Asher seized it, impressing interviewers with his passion and work ethic. He was offered a position as a first-year apprentice and will be going to work this summer. 

Logan Shane
Training received: MCA Carpentry

Success: Logan worked on a farm as he completed high school. The work was satisfying, but Logan wanted a more trade-related career. Finishing a 40-hour training in carpentry, Logan went straight into the construction arena, working for 3E Construction, and then GP Construction. His duties include vessel

mechanics and oil spill cleanup. A homeless Tennessee transfer to Alaska, he now has a home, a vehicle, and steady employment that showcases his new skillset.

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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