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June 01-ECA at 100 |
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The history of electricity.... and the formation of the ECA
When early scientists started to experiment with electricity, they could hardly have guessed what their discoveries would lead to. Not only major advances in every aspect of human life but also the growth of a massive industry – and the need for an association to represent the interests of the workers at the sharp end of that industry.
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1901 - 1920
Unfair competition unites electrical contractors
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Working in harmony
Throughout its 100 year history the ECA has played an active role in promoting harmonious relations between employers and trade unions. This co-operative approach was to prove a role model for other industries and other sectors of the construction industry.
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1921 - 1940
Recession hits construction as war looms
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The history of electric lighting
During the early 1900s it was electric lighting that was the major driving force behind the growth of electrical supply and the electrical contracting industry. Contractors during the last 100 years or so have seen an incredible range of light sources influence the luminaires that they are required to install and maintain – and there could be even greater challenges in the future.
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1941 - 1960
War ends and contractors organise
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Training for quality
Throughout its history the ECA has striven to raise standards in the electrical contracting industry and a key element of this has been to ensure that operatives are trained to appropriate levels of competence.
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1961 - 1980
Swinging into a wider range of services
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Socket to 'em Charlie
In the early days of electricity, plugs and sockets came in a variety of shapes and sizes and it took some years for the designs to be standardised. At the heart of developments was the ingenuity of engineers such as Charles Arnold.
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1981 - 2001
Wall comes down and training formalised
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At your service
In order to survive, all trade associations need to offer their members benefits that justify the cost of the annual subscription. The ECA has adopted this philosophy with great enthusiasm and continued to expand the range of services that members can benefit from.
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And so, to the future
Taking the future by the horns and knocking it into submission requires some anticipation, a crystal ball and a bit of planning.
We asked some leading contractors to tell us what they thought the future had in store.
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