MCAA Affiliated Association
Best Practices Awards

In 1999, MCAA began this awards program to recognize excellence in the programs, services and activities of MCAA's affiliated associations.

Prior Winners Include:

MCA of Chicago received the award for its Webinar Training Program. The program, which presents computer-based training via so-called “webinars,” offers many advantages to the user including being able to take the training at home or in the office, to take the class as many times as desired and to take the class in manageable “bites.” The MCA of Chicago presented its first webinar on psychometrics in 2006. The course, which was produced through Nehlsen Communications, was offered online to design professionals at no cost, although comparable continuing education credits normally cost $225.

ARCA/MCA, received the award for its HVACR Two-Year Vocational Education Program. Created as a joint initiative with United Association (UA) Union Local 250, the program recruits high school students in their junior or senior year meeting certain criteria. These students are interviewed by contractor and union representatives for acceptance into the program. Once accepted, students are paired with a contractor and exposed to all aspects of the industry, such as field work, sales, engineering, dispatch, and accounting, and are paid for part-time summer work. On completion of the program, students are offered an opportunity to interview for an entry-level service technician position and may enter the apprenticeship program.

MCA of Metropolitan Washington received the award for its efforts to study ways to improve the recruitment of new workers in the unionized mechanical trade industry. MCA of Metropolitan Washington used Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) grant funding for a “CAUSE” (Contractor and Union Seal of Excellence) program that later evolved into the workers emeritus program. The program recruits retired and active plumbers and steamfitters to assist in the recruiting process. Each retiree has an aggressive speaking schedule, focusing on high school career days and other events. Retirees are given a $75 stipend for programs they attend to cover their time and expenses. Due to the program’s success, the local association has picked up the funding for the program.