ECM Buyers' Guide

Electronic Systems Alliance Encourages Voluntary Certification for Installers

Jan 1, 2007 12:00 PM


         Subscribe in NewsGator Online   Subscribe in Bloglines

As a part of the 21st Century Workforce Initiative, the U.S. Department of Labor differentiates between electrical and electronic contractors, although many times consumers, builders and developers, and state legislators may still confuse the two. To increase understanding of electronic systems contracting, the Consumer Electronics Association, Arlington, Va.; Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association, Indianapolis; National Systems Contractors Association, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Computing Technology Industry Association, Oakbrook, Terrace, Ill.; and Tweeter Home Entertainment, Canton, Mass., recently formed the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA). By the end of 2007, the organization will offer a single, voluntary, entry-level education and certification platform, which it hopes will become the universally recognized standard for electronic systems contracting.

ESPA seeks to provide one set of fundamental best practices that are common among all the industry organizations. After achieving ESPA certification, technicians will then have the option to pursue advanced careers through existing specialized programs offered by the independent trade groups.

“Right now, there are a lot of different certification programs,” says Deb Rolfes, managing director, ESPA. “But none that is purely entry-level that crosses the different industries.”

Groups representing electrical contractors that also offer electronic contracting services are encouraged to take part in the program. “We invite everybody to join our ESPA affiliate program,” Rolfes says. “The idea is for those contractors that do work in cross industries, now they can have a baseline where their employees can get trained in the basic fundamental skills.”

Want to use this article? Click here for options!

product of the week

Under cabinet luminaires

July 14, 2008 8:13 AM

View all 2008 Products of the Week

A panel of professionals answers your questions on a variety of topics.

I-Gard HRG and Arc Flash
I-Gard
Become an Expert
Submit your questions
iGard Resistance Grounding Q&A BookletDownload the Resistance Grounding Q&A Booklet
I-Gard

Learn how HRG technology can mitigate and reduce the arc flash hazard; design considerations to remember when specifying and installing an HRG system.
On-Demand Webinar
- Sponsored by I-Gard

Listen
"Full Voltage Motor Starting and Engine Generators"
Listen
Sponsored By:

 

resources

product info icon

product info

tradeshow icon

tradeshow

research icon

research

rss icon

rss

Browse Back Issues

Browse Back Issues