Wall comes down and training formalised
1981
Humber Suspension Bridge opens with the longest single span in the world. First use of artificial skin for burns victims. Wedding of HRH The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer.

1982
Eastman Kodak introduces small format camera using rotating disc film. British task force re-occupies the Falkland Islands.

1983
New JIB training scheme introduced, bringing a change of emphasis from age to achievement. World's largest fibre optic communication system enters operation.

1984
Solar tower in California begins generating power for local use. Apple Macintosh computer introduced. AIDS virus discovered.

1985
CIBS wins chartered engineering status to become CIBSE. Prototype 3D television is unveiled by Matsushita Electric.

1986
Establishment of ECA Security Group. Development of the white SON lamp. Major nuclear accident at Chernobyl.

1987
Formation of ESCA Services Ltd. The Association establishes an independent quality assurance scheme known as EQUAL, funded by the ECA and the Department of Trade and Industry.

1988
Establishment of a JIB pension scheme for operatives, set up by the ECA and EETPU.

1989
EQUAL joins forces with the Building Engineering Services Certification Authority to form Construction Quality Assurance Ltd.

1990
Association leaves CITB and forms J T Limited in partnership with the trade union. Iraq invades Kuwait and sparks off Gulf War.

1991
Formation of the Electrical Installation Engineering Industry Training Organisation (EIEITO).

1992
EETPU merges with the Amalgamated Engineering Union to become the AEEU. The ECA joins the Specialist Engineering Contractors Group. IEE Wiring Regulations recognised as BS 7671.

1993
Formation of Constructors' Liaison Group. European Union is created as Maastricht treaty takes effect.

1994
Channel Tunnel opens. Clinton accused of sexual harassment while governor of Arkansas. O J Simpson arrested, charged with murdering wife. Release of Michael Latham's landmark report Constructing the team.

1995
ECA helps set up the Church Floodlighting Trust.

1996
Possible evidence of life found on Mars.

1997
EIEITO gains National Training Organisation status and changes name to NET.

1998
US government approves Viagra. Monica Lewinsky testifies before grand jury about affair with Clinton.

1999
Association forms Information Technology, Electronics, Control and Instrumentation (ITEC) Group. Melissa computer virus spreads.

2000
ECA lauches Customer Focus initiative. Electric chair replaced by lethal injection as method of execution in Florida.

2001
ECA celebrates its centenary. AEEU merges with MSF union.