[Jeff000]

First hello to everyone on the board.
I'm from Alberta Canada, and a first year Electrician, although I have done much more then most 2nd or 3rd years already.
I am working on a large concrete and steel stud condo complex, have done everything from slab layout, pulling wire, underground, racks, to even transformers and switching gear, intelli metering, sub panels, etc.
Basically a little bit of everything from under the parkaid slab to laying out the sleeves for the MUA on the roof and everything needed in the middle.

Anyways, just thought I would give a little background info. Right now I have enough hours to do my 1st and 2nd schooling back to back, which would make me a 3rd year.
While I love working here, I much prefer the climate in the states, and have always loved Vegas. So I have been thinking about moving there, although I have been told I should get my ticket here first.
But now after reading a bunch here and other places it seems electrical in the states is way different, seems almost as if in the states you are trained in a much more specific area. I dont know if this is good or bad for me. Also is Vegas a good place to work? I figure its pretty good job security for an Electrician, lol


PS, I can be very opinionated, lol
I am almost 25, and have an Accounting degree, Accounting sucks, thats why I am doing Electrical.

 

[randomkiller]

Welcome to the forum. Vegas (from guys who moved here) is always busy and rush rush (what permits) and not so worker friendly. The guys I know prefer the NYC work environment.

 

[Jeff000]

I dont mind the rush rush so much, but what do you mean not so worker friendly?

I dont think I could live in NYC, 2 weeks was already too much time there for me. lol

 

[brian john]

The number of guys I know that moved to Vegas and show up back here in 6 months is almost all the guys I know that moved to Vegas.

 

[Jeff000]

The number of guys I know that moved to Vegas and show up back here in 6 months is almost all the guys I know that moved to Vegas.

Why did they move back?

 

[randomkiller]

The number of guys I know that moved to Vegas and show up back here in 6 months is almost all the guys I know that moved to Vegas.

That sounds about the same ratio as the guys here.

 

[Jeff000]

That sounds about the same ratio as the guys here.

Again how come?
not enough work? bad pay? too hot? gambling addictions????

Phoenix is also on my list of places where I would like to move, but I am unsure on the job market there.

 

[brian john]

Lack of Work.
Poor Working conditions.
More hype than actually living there reality.

 

[Jeff000]

Lack of Work.
Poor Working conditions.
More hype than actually living there reality.

Seriously a lack of work?
I have 3 companies in Vegas willing to sponsor my work visa right now. Just not sure if heading to the states before I have my ticket is the right thing to do.

Poor working conditions, I guess could be a problem, but is it more just the work itself? or?
I know when its -30C for 2 montsh of the year the working conditions are poor, +40C must make it tough too.

 

[brian john]

MOst had jobs waiting for them, but left the first job and said the work conditions for travelers SUCKED.

 

[micromind]

I've done a couple of jobs in Vegas. The downside;

1) It's HOT It's somewhat rare in July and August to have a high of less than 100 (40C), and somewhat common for it to get to 120 (50C). It doesn't cool down much at night either. When driving to work just as the sun is coming up and you see a temperature sign that reads 95, you know you're in for a rough one.

2) Everything is a mad rush. Hurry up and get it done. 12 hour days are somewhat common. The last job I did there was a power plant switchyard control house. I started out at the end of June doing 6-10's. By the end of July, it was 6-12's. Middle of August it was 7-12's. After a few weeks of this, you forget what day it is, and a few more weeks later, you just don't care. 7-12's in 110 degree heat has a bad effect on anyone. I'm usually not much of a safety nut, but a tiered, fatigued worker is a serious hazard to himself and everyone he works with. There's a reason all those guys are biting the big one on the casino projects there. P.S. Casinos are the most abusive places to work around there.

3) The cost of living is fairly low, but the quality of life is terrible. Sin city??, more like scam city!

4) Most people in construction management, including job foremen and superintendents, are VERY difficult to work under. Commandment #1 for construction work in Vegas; Whenst thou art in the presence of the jobsite superintendent, thou shalt bow low, remembering that thou art a pile of cat manure. Seriously, that's about how you get treated. The bigger contractors and bigger projects are worse than the smaller ones. I really don't think I'm the problem here, I get along fine with nearly everyone here in Reno.

The upside;

1) Pay is not the best, but if you can stand the overtime, it's pretty good. The last job I did there was about 4 years ago, and a 7-12's paycheck was about $3,000/week. Looking back, I really don't think I can say it was worth it though.

2) Just about any type of entertainment can be found there.

If you can take the heat, the physical and emotional abuse, and have the discipline to hang on to your money, you can actually do pretty good there. Provided, of course, that you live through it!

Rob

 

[HighWirey]

Lack of Work.
Poor Working conditions.
More hype than actually living there reality.

Heard the term "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"?

That must apply to labor, and to wages also.

Work'in For That Free Tee . . .

 

[Jeff000]

MicroMind, thanks for the details that all makes sence, I dont mind working 5 10's and a 6 on saturday, but I work to live, not live to work.

What about tucson or phoenix? I would assume heat would still be a problem, but I can deal with heat better then cold, lol

 

[iAmCam]

Awsome, another Canadian. What part of Alberta are you from? I'm from Edmonton. What project are you working on with what company?

With that accounting degree I highly reccomend getting your electrical ticket while still in Alberta, and get the red seal. And then get into estimating.

 

[Jeff000]

Into estimating eh? why is that?
I actually had never even thought about that, so now I am curious.

I'm in Edmonton aswell.

 

[randomkiller]

Into estimating eh? why is that?
I actually had never even thought about that, so now I am curious.

I'm in Edmonton aswell.

Estimating can be good for the right person, it's cleaner than being in the field, has better hours, you don't get your hands dirty, you get to dress better, you don't need rain gear or Carharrts, usually work in an office with the ladies, get to celebrate all the office parties, and if your really lucky you may even get a window near your cubicle.

 

[brian john]

Estimating can be good for the right person, it's cleaner than being in the field, has better hours, you don't get your hands dirty, you get to dress better, you don't need rain gear or Carharrts, usually work in an office with the ladies, get to celebrate all the office parties, and if your really lucky you may even get a window near your cubicle.

 

[brian john]

Estimating can be good for the right person, it's cleaner than being in the field, has better hours, you don't get your hands dirty, you get to dress better, you don't need rain gear or Carharrts, usually work in an office with the ladies, get to celebrate all the office parties, and if your really lucky you may even get a window near your cubicle.

Thank goodness someone does this cause it keps the work flowing, but big job estimation is not my thing, I do not mind small job chuck a number out, but beyond that like I said Thank goodness cause it bores me.

 

[randomkiller]

Estimating can be good for the right person,

I just can't be inside like that for weeks at a time with the only leg work being the trip to the coffee pot or the head. I don't mind doing a small job estimate or that type of thing but going through prints for take offs and spec books just isn't that much fun.

 

[$J0]

Unions might be hiring in Las Vegas. Check out the City Ceter construction(http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/images/CityCenter%20night%20Pano3.jpg). But sounds like a dangerous job, being there have been a few unfortunate deaths.