News & Events
May 18, 2021
4 Valuable Benefits Associated With an Independent Electrical Contractors Membership
After you complete training to become an electrician, you have a lot of career paths and opportunities to explore. Not only do the local branches of the Independent Electrical Contractors offer complete training, but membership options also become available once your training is complete.
Ideal for individual employees and business owners, an IEC membership comes with many advantages. Learn about the benefits associated with this membership and how to use them.
- Networking
Connecting with other businesses is a great way to boost up your bottom line, build relationships, and grow in the field. An IEC membership comes with many networking opportunities. The in-person opportunities are broken down into three categories: conventions, trade shows, and conferences.
Conventions feature large gatherings of electricians and include talks, new technology, and hands-on activities.
Trade shows are product-based gatherings with all of the newest gadgets and tech used in the field of electricians. You get to talk directly to manufacturers, and discounts are often available when you purchase products directly at the trade show.
Conferences are focused gatherings where you meet with other electricians, elected officials, or experts in the trade. Conferences will stick to specific topics, feature a lot of education, and give you a chance to network and connect with others. Some conferences are exclusive to IEC members, so a membership is the only way into them.
- Member Discount Program
Attending trade shows is not the only way to obtain benefits through an IEC membership. When you sign up for a membership, you will receive a member number and ID card that opens up a lot of discount opportunities. If you start your own electrician business, you will receive discounts on computer equipment, contract document services, and fleets.
In addition, software companies offer discounts on management, payment processing, and shipping services. As you travel to various networking events, take advantage of discounts on hotels and car rentals. Once you become a member, keep track of every discount and refer to the discount list the IEC offers to take advantage of the savings for every business purchase.
Some of the discounts also include personal discounts, including personal travel discounts for days when you plan your vacation.
- Online Courses
Even after you finish your basic electrician courses, find time to expand your knowledge and expertise. A membership gives you access to the IEC University eCampus. The virtual classes can expand your learning in several categories.
For example, if you decide to open your own business, then take business classes to learn about bookkeeping, taxes, and payroll. Other classes may focus on new technologies and future technologies. Through the training, your business can adapt, grow, and stay modern. Courses constantly change, but you can always seek out new ways to learn.
- Future Training
If you expand your electrician business, you may eventually seek extra employees to help your business grow. Send potential employees through the IEC training program. One part of this training involves safety training. Hands-on training and progress updates will help you keep track of your employees and allow your business to grow.
With national connections, your students can earn certifications in multiple states so work options for your company are not limited to a single state. Find a continuous cycle of new employees to go through the training program. Your business may also offer an apprentice program where you allow students to work and train with your business directly.
As an IEC member, you can connect directly to local branches and find well-trained employees who went through the same training you did.
For more information on our courses and memberships, reach out to us at the Independent Electrical Contractors of Greater Cincinnati. Our membership offers invaluable growth and experience. When you own your own business, partnerships and allies can help you thrive.