Upon his arrival on the morning of March 19, 2025, Alaska’s representative met with Chugach leadership, CTES Center Director Bobbie Irvin and his staff for brief introductions and an overview of the center’s mission to provide free career and technical training for youth and young adults.
Congressman Begich then embarked on an extensive campus tour led by current students, who proudly showcased the center’s curriculum, which includes construction, electrical, medical, culinary, security and protective services, sewer and wastewater, and welding.
For nearly two hours, Begich actively engaged with the student guides, instructors, and other students eager to share their experiences. As the tour concluded, students presented him with a piece artwork they had collectively created, to which Begich expressed his appreciation, stating, “It’s incredible to see the work that is being accomplished at this center and to see all of the trades that are being offered and that are so vital to Alaska’s economy. Even more impressive is seeing these young individuals laying the foundation for their futures and forging paths toward meaningful and rewarding careers.”
In the late 1980s, the Department of Labor sought to establish a Job Corps Center in Alaska, but Congress was hesitant due to the state’s small population. Recognizing the center’s potential impact, the late Congressman Don Young championed the cause, working tirelessly to secure funding. After years of his advocacy, the AKJCC opened its doors in 1994.
Without Congressman Young’s dedication, the center would not exist. In December 2022, in recognition of his pivotal role, Congress approved renaming the facility as the Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center.
Chugach has operated the AKJCC since its inception more than three decades ago, which has consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top-performing Job Corps Centers, particularly in workforce placement. Most importantly to the Last Frontier, the center plays a crucial role in addressing Alaska’s workforce demands.
Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta with student tour guides.
“It has been Chugach’s honor to partner with the Department of Labor to fulfill Congressman Young’s vision and commitment to Alaska’s youth,” Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta stated. “And we were deeply honored to have Congressman Begich visit and to give our staff and the students the opportunity to showcase what the center does for Alaska and how it places graduates on the path to success.”
Buretta also acknowledged another guest who was in attendance. “”I also want to thank Edna DeVries for joining the tour. She currently serves as Mayor of the Mat-Su Borough, and we take great pride in the fact that she was once a valued member of our CTES team, dedicating many years of service to the center.”