Getting more out of the AEMT for Members and Associates
Having shown the test of time, AEMT celebrates its 70th year as a Trade Association this year. This is down to the countless hours and days its members have poured into making it the organisation it is today.
The AEMT is a different association for almost every company, for some it is a networking device for keeping their fingers on the latest developments; for others, it is a pool of potential clients; it is also a connection to a group of like-minded people that they can associate with.
It is very much a case of what you put in, is what you get out. This is why so many members over time have chosen to volunteer themselves to the council. Through putting more of their time into the association, they are able to assist their trade for the greater good. Aristotle once said; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and the better the sum of the parts, the grander the whole can be.
“I’m proud to invest my time directly in the AEMT. It is only as strong and useful as the companies that are represented and take part in it. Markets are evolving and the way that we do business needs to adapt for us all to not only survive, but prosper with a global presence and voice.” – Gary Downes, Solutions in IT.
So how much could you help?
Re-marketing (Time - Small)
By having the ‘AEMT’ letters associated with your company links you with a tradition of excellence and high global engineering standards that is recognisable to industrial companies around the world. Simply by promoting your association with the AEMT through links on your website, logos on your workforce clothing, decals on your vans, builds awareness of the association. To go the extra mile and write about your experiences with the AEMT in your company newsletter or blog can really help boost the brand among your customers – win/win!
Meetings & Events (Time – a day)
A great deal of useful networking is possible at AEMT meetings and events. As Solutions in IT have just pointed out in their latest newsletter (Issue 43, Dec 2015), most of their business is down to the benefits of networking at these events. For full members of the AEMT, it is a place to share knowledge, meet like-minded people, and gain an understanding of the government decisions that will affect your company. As both associates and members’ advantage from larger numbers, the more the merrier! If you can’t commit to the times required on the council or a committee, then the next best thing is to spend a day out of the office at a member meeting and share your thoughts with us.
Committees (Time – As much as you can afford)
The Council and Secretariat have been working to build more committees for the association. The Training Committee is already in place with members including, Graeme Shimwell of Herefored Rewinds, Graham Brooker of Wilson Electric, David Hesketh of Bowers Electric and Len Jones of Parsons Peebles. The committee is looking at where there are common holes in the industry’s knowledge, or where there might be holes in the future. The aim is to build up a strong apprenticeship scheme and bolster it with top-up courses. Training is in everyone’s interest and all members are welcome to come along to any committee meeting. Dates are on the website at www.aemt.co.uk/calendar.
Another committee that is starting out is a Marketing & Events committee. At the moment we are looking for any members that would be interested in getting involved with this and helping to direct which direction future meetings, events and marketing material will go.
Council (Time – As much as you can give, the more the better!)
To be invited onto the council is the ultimate way to have influence in the association. With meetings 4 times a year and regular updates on reports and accounts you are really in a position to make a difference to the industry. The best way to be invited is by getting to know the current board and the secretariat by attending more meetings and joining committees. Being in a senior position in your company is also critical, as a deep understanding of the industry is necessary as well as the ability to delegate and make more time for the AEMT.
