Shane Azelton - Millwright Success Story

Shane Azelton wanted a civilian career that would put his experience as an F-16 maintenance crew chief to good use, and he found it with Alaska Millwrights Local 1501.
Not long after he left the Air Force after six years of service, the last two at Eielson AFB, a friend told him about a new union program that was being started. Millwrights - a specialty trade within the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners - install, repair, replace and maintain machinery in all types of industrial plants. Millwrights had formerly been dispatched out of the Carpenters local unions in Alaska, but a new Millwrights local was being chartered and a millwright apprenticeship program would be offered in Alaska for the first time in twenty years. Shane applied and was accepted into the program. His first job was on the Eielson power plant project.

"Shane's extensive experience with GE engines in the air force made him a natural for our program. He hit the ground running and has done really well in his class training and on the job," said Mark Crutchfield, Local 1501 business manager.

As a millwright apprentice, Shane has been able to build on his military experience with hands-on training in all aspects of the trade. "The classes and the training facilities are great - I've already gotten a number of welding certifications, and in March I'm going to the union's national training center in Las Vegas," said Shane. "They've got a GE Frame 5 Turbine, a type commonly used up here in Alaska that we'll get to work on - it's an incredible learning opportunity."

Does he have any advice for others considering a post-military career in construction? "Check out the Helmets to Hardhats website and find a union apprenticeship program. The pay and benefits are great, the training is top notch, and you never have to worry about getting paid right," says Shane. "It's just what I was looking for." [MORE]