The complexity and the wide range of hardware have expanded to the point where many schools can barely cover the basic principles, and have little hope of having time to train techs on specific products. A student chapter can provide some additional learning time for specific products. It can promote use of extended hours for job preparation training, and it can expand the student's knowledge of the entire field we work in. These things all tend to add to the efforts of the school. Next, the student, as an ETA member, receives personal development, technical and business training through ETA Newsletters, meetings and other materials.
Members get a better picture of the profession by reading about the experiences of other members.
A big plus is ETA's JOBs program. ETA lists openings for electronics technicians regularly and encourages members to keep their resume' on file at ETA headquarters. Many of these lead to good positions. After graduation the student may find help in an unfamiliar city by contacting a fellow member. Listing a professional association on a student's resume' adds weight with most employers.