Electrician moving to Ft. Collins

Hey I was hoping to get a little advice from electricians in the Ft. Collins area. My wife and I are moving out there next summer and any advice would help. I am currently a licensed journeyman electrician for a large contractor in central Iowa. Is there any particular contractors to work for, or stay away from? Good areas to live? Things like that. Thanks!

 

Welcome!

If you want to work for a contractor Gregory in Loveland is a well known/respected Electrical Contractor. I was trying to get on with them as a non-licensed apprentice with a few months experience (with an outfit that had me working hot day 1.. lol) a couple of years ago but wasn't able to as they were thinning the heard for the season and slowing construction. I see their trucks all over town and lately I've seen lots of newer trucks so I'm guessing business is doing well. I also regularly see older people driving them and the ones I've met that work there are older and more professional than your usual group of contract workers so it seems like a decent outfit. One that I would work for anyway. Once inside (as in working there) you may see things differently but from the outside it seems like a good option. All contractors have their negatives and I'm sure Gregory is no exception.

Also, if I were you, already being a licensed Journeyman I'd check the City listings. First, see what it will take to get licensed in Colorado and then check all the area Electrician postings with the various municipalities. They generally pay over $70k with full benefits and better working conditions & hours than you would find with a contractor. This is what I was working towards before my plan got derailed. If I was you and had my license already I would try really hard to get one of these gigs as I think it's the best way to go for a career. In the meantime I'm sure you won't have a hard time finding work if you hurry before things really start to slow down in the next couple of months. Usually December construction really dips off in Colorado and Contractors lay people off unless they get some decent contracts that keep them working through the winter months.

 

Awesome! Thanks! That is exactly the kind of info I've been looking for. I have definitely thought about working for the city, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. If it's anything like Des Moines, you have to know someone to get a job with the city. I won't know a soul! Do you live in the area?

 

I do. There is a Colorado BS thread that is pretty that you should check out for more info on Colorado. The Colorado section is relatively new and I don't know that everyone checks it. The BS Thread has plenty of traffic though so I'd suggest posting there if you have any further questions.