Electrical Contractors Speak Out about Career Opportunities for Veterans in the Energy Industry

DENVER - Oct. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- DENVER, Colorado – October 23, 2013 – Three electrical contracting companies based in Colorado recently spoke out about their support for local Veterans in a series of interviews with IECRM (www.iecrm.org). The three companies are members of IECRM, an energy trade association and electrical school.

“Veterans are always moved to the front of our hire list,” said Kit Canaday, President of ADK Electric Corporation, based in Englewood, Colorado. Roughly 10-20% of employees at ADK Electric are Veterans, including Canaday.

Many of the 200 companies that make up the IECRM trade association actively recruit Veterans into their open positions, noting a range of reasons including the proven ability to lead, reliability, and longevity. Currently, there are around 30 open positions advertised on the IECRM Energy Industry Jobs Board (www.iecrm.org/member-resources/electrician-job-postings/).

“We work with Veterans Green Jobs [a non-profit organization that connects Veterans with meaningful job opportunities in the energy sector] and partner with local outplacement personnel,” said David Scott, HR Manager at Encore Electric, Inc. The company, also based in Englewood, currently employs about 50 Veterans.

In the energy industry, the benefits often continue after an individual is hired.

Doug Link, HR Operations at 1st Electric Contractors, Inc. in Lakewood, mentioned that his company provides an extended leave of absence to all employees on active duty, ensuring that their positions are not filled while they are away.

Kit Canaday at ADK Electric vouched that his company provides the same benefit. “We strive to maintain some level of stability for these guys, so that they have a job to come back to. Their trucks and equipment are simply put on ‘mothballs’ until they get back.”

Moreover, many electrical contractors financially support education for each of their apprentices, which helps the apprentices ultimately achieve a Journeyman electrician license. This year alone, contractors registered 700 electrician’s apprentices for the IECRM Four-Year Apprentice Training Program, which trains students in Denver, Loveland, and Live-Online. Additionally, Veterans are able to use their GI Bill benefits to pay for IECRM tuition.

If you are a Veteran interested in starting a career in the energy industry, please visit http://www.IECRM.org/veterans for details about employment and education opportunities. Alternatively, call IECRM at (303) 853-4886.

About Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM)

Established in 1981, the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) is the Rocky Mountain region’s premier nonprofit organization representing 200 independent contractors and industry businesses, and providing education for over 600 aspiring electrical apprentices and licensed electricians annually. IECRM is approved and regulated by The Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools Board; and recognized by the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (OA/BAT). IECRM is dedicated to supporting, educating, and promoting tomorrow’s energy professionals.

IECRM, located in Denver, Colorado, is a chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), a national trade association for merit shop electrical and systems contractors.

Contact:

Samantha McCormick
Marketing Manager
Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain
(303) 853-4886
samantha@iecrm.org
http://www.iecrm.org