Build Skills. Build Confidence.
Build Your Future.
Tuition-free evening classes for adults in the Mat-Su Valley.
With childcare, dinner, and all materials included.
NO PREVIOUS
EXPERIENCE NEEDED!
WHAT WE DO
The Wasilla Workforce Development Initiative opens the doors to opportunity for adults across the Mat-Su. Whether you’re building new skills, restarting your career, or exploring a trade for the first time, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Key Benefits of WWDI
- Tuition-free workforce training for adults
- Childcare and dinner are provided every class night
- Hands-on technical classes taught by industry professionals
Supported by local employers, nonprofits, and community partners with classes held at Wasilla High School in the evenings.
Free Childcare
During Every Class
Parents deserve the opportunity to learn and build their future. We provide free on-site childcare for every evening class so that you can focus on your training with peace of mind.
- Safe, supervised care
- Age-appropriate activities
- Healthy Snacks
- Secure check-in and check-out
Featured Programs
Electrical Training
Electrical training in safety, wiring, circuits, and troubleshooting basics. No experience required.
Small Engine &
Outboard Repair
Learn small-engine function, troubleshooting, and maintenance for Yamaha outboards and marine careers.
Automotive Training
Hands-on automotive training in diagnostics, maintenance, and engine basics for beginners.
Marketing & Video
Editing
Digital skills are in high demand. Learn video editing, media creation, and storytelling using industry-standard tools.
Healthcare
Prepares students for healthcare careers through certifications, combining online learning and hands-on clinical training.
Community Impact at a Glance!
How we have helped the community by providing the resources, knowledge, and care to make a change in our student’s lives.
65
Students
Enrolled To Date
15
Classes
Offered
85
Volunteer
Hours
50
Early Job
Placements
Brian Cook
Construction Trades & Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship
Brian Cook is a dedicated construction trades instructor with 18 years of experience, including nearly a decade specializing in construction trades, cabinetmaking, woodworking, and CNC fabrication. At Wasilla High School, he serves as Campus Administrator for NC3, overseeing student training and industry-recognized certifications.
Colton Connor
Small Engine
& Outboard Repair
Colton Conner is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructor with more than 17 years of experience in education, including seven years specializing in hands-on, skills-based instruction. His teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to build confidence through practice, repetition, and problem-solving.
Nate McKimson
Automotive
Pre-Apprenticeship
Nathaniel McKimson is an automotive technology instructor with more than seven years of experience in automotive education and a background in hands-on industry work. His experience spans light-duty automotive repair, marine outboard and inboard engines, and aircraft powerplant rebuilds, bringing a diverse technical perspective to the classroom.
Robin Lockwood
Director of Marketing
Melinda Ragsdale
Healthcare Instructor
Melinda Ragsdale is a science educator with more than 15 years of experience teaching life sciences, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and case studies. She is known for her hands-on, collaborative teaching style and her commitment to helping students understand the real-world impact of healthcare and public health.
Testimonials
- The knowledge we gain here is unforgettable and will help us get the skills for our dream job.
- Ivanna D.
- This is the best event in two and a half years in Alaska. Delicious dinner, childcare, computers, everything we needed.
- Anastasia & Dmitry
- Thank you for helping our family build a new future.
- Facebook Review
WHAT YOU NEED TO ENROLL
- Choose your class.
- Complete the enrollment form.
- Check your email for confirmation and details.
- Attend class. Dinner and childcare provided.
Valid ID
Weekly attendance commitment
No experience needed
Program Requests
We partner with local businesses to help build a stronger, more prepared workforce in the Mat-Su Valley. If you’re struggling to find applicants with the right foundational skills, we want to hear from you.
Employers can request training programs designed to better prepare entry-level candidates in areas such as:
- Professional communication & interpersonal skills
- Workplace conduct and job readiness
- Google Workspace and Microsoft Office fundamentals
- Industry-specific technical skills
Together, we can design training that meets real workforce needs and creates a stronger hiring pipeline for your business.