ECB or ECA or SAPVIA or AREP

[Isetech]

Things are moving forward at a rate that I cant keep up, with the expansion, comes more challenges, more staff and more customers.

Being a small business in industry like electrical, someone it pays to have an umbrealla when it starts to rain.

Which umbrella do you choose, do you look at the industry specific, for example I am doing more renewable work than anything else, dpo do I look at an association industry specific, like SAPVIA or AREP.

All it takes is that "one customer" to break your business, if you dont have the support of an association, no matter if you are right or wrong, you could end up looking for a job.

[Thys LOW Elektries]

Compare apples with apples.
Look at each umbrella body, and what services they offer, then look at your company and clients and then make a decision on which body will serve you best.
It is always good to have somebody that can cover your back when things goes BOOM or a dispute arises with a client on workmanship or whatever

[GCE]

As Thys states - compare service menu and look who has representation at government and local level to ensure your interests are looked after

As far as I am aware it is only ECA that is an employer organization

In my opinion both SAPVIA and AREP are training center and manufacture driven - The minute they are the major force behind the organization there will be agendas to get their product specified in regulations and training centers will push for qualifications that have expiry dates so that they can keep retraining.

You only have to look at how the H&S industry has gone with all the expiry on certificates like At heights training , Cherry picker licenses etc .
The lightening protection association had manufacturers occupying the majority of positions on there board which led to continued agendas playing out - They have lost focus

ECB appear to run as a dictatorship and lists there boards members as the association's involved in the industry - I am not aware of any meetings of so called board members taking place but stand to be corrected.

ECA is run by the contractors for the contractors and has representation in all the important forums for contractors, Like NBCEI , SANS technical work groups, JBCC contracts etc
It also assists contractors with Labour disputes , Technical disputes etc
Have pasted the service menu below - ( Also notice that KZN contact details appear incorrect along with Cape town and have let the relevant people know)

https://ecasa.co.za/service-menu/

I have been a member of ECA for what feels like forever and if you ask me " Do you think your voice has been heard" I would answer yes and I would answer that it has been heard for the benefit of members.
I am fortunate, or some would say unfortunate, to not run away from a fight for members interests no matter who gets upset in the process, if I and the members behind me believe that it is the right thing to do or say.

I have a look at different organizations that pop up to see if maybe I am backing the wrong horse and feel that ECA is still the correct horse to back.

[Isetech]

Maybe sitting in the back of the classroom throwing pieces of paper at the board doesnt benefit anyone.

Maybe I should stop rocking on my chair at the back of the classroom and step forward and offer a positive contribution to the industry, hence the question which association.

[Dave A]

I can confirm that Graham's voice is definitely heard

[Dylboy]

I finally got my GS number and books today as well as the registration form for the ECA.

I am often on their site and reading articles and getting their magazine and I believe they are the right way to go.

I saw an article from very own Graham the other day and that was very cool for me to see.

I am still pig shit scared of this solar industry thing and can not wait for the 10142-1-2 so we can have a definite book. As I see it now it's a lot of do what feels right and follow the 10142-1as close as possible.

Sent from my CPH2197 using Tapatalk

[Isetech]

Email sent, lets see maybe after all these years (about 20) I might become a member once again.

I have put a lot of thought into this, it is just too risky working in the PV industry as a small contractor. Installing a couple plugs and lights has its risks, but when you start talking R150k per project, it takes the risk to another level.