Career Stage: Supervisor/Foreman

Foundations of Field Leadership Course 7

This is an ONLINE course.
Wednesdays 1/8-2/26, 2:00pm-3:30pm EST

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW BY TOPIC

  • The Field Leader’s Role
  • Productivity & Goal Setting
  • Documentation & Communication
  • Planning & Scheduling
  • Relationships
  • Safety & Compliance
  • Technology As A Tool
  • Leadership

Foundations of Field Leadership Course 6

This is an ONLINE course.
Wednesdays 1/8-2/26, 11:00am-12:30pm EST

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW BY TOPIC

  • The Field Leader’s Role
  • Productivity & Goal Setting
  • Documentation & Communication
  • Planning & Scheduling
  • Relationships
  • Safety & Compliance
  • Technology As A Tool
  • Leadership

Field Leaders Conference, May 2025

MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference is where field leaders realize their importance and value as professionals and members of the management team. Conference attendees will learn: to view themselves as professionals, the importance of the bottom line, why customer relationships matter, how to establish tangible goals, how they can work “smarter”, what it means to be a great foreman, and so much more.

Field Leaders Conference, September 2025

MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference is where field leaders realize their importance and value as professionals and members of the management team. Conference attendees will learn: to view themselves as professionals, the importance of the bottom line, why customer relationships matter, how to establish tangible goals, how they can work “smarter”, what it means to be a great foreman, and so much more.

2026 Safety & Health Conference

MCAA, SMACNA, TAUC have partnered together to host the Safety & Health Conference, the biggest construction safety event of the year. The conference brings together safety professionals from across the construction industry to collaborate and explore the challenges and opportunities within our field. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a range of educational programs designed to enhance their professional skills. Subject Matter Experts will cover various aspects of jobsite safety, including discussions on emerging technologies and evolving best practices that can be implemented in their operations. Hands-on workshops will also be available, allowing experts to delve into new safety & health concepts in detail and provide practical guidance to help attendees better understand these innovative ideas. Two summits will also be offered, a pre-conference Construction Mental Health Summit and a post-conference Construction Risk Management Summit. 

2025 Fabrication Conference

MCAA Fabrication conference is one of the most popular educational events of the year. The focus of the conference is on off-site manufacturing techniques, processes and strategies. Each year the conference includes an operations tour with a full explanation of how the host contractor performs fabrication. This is paired with practical education sessions that feature contractors showcasing best in class case studies of their own operations from around the country.

 

2026 MEP Innovation Conference

MCAA, NECA and SMACNA have partnered together to host the MEP Innovations Conference. Known as the best technology conference for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, service and sheet metal contractors, this conference will provide educational sessions led by contractors from all three trade associations. This three day event includes innovative presentations, collaborative roundtable discussions, and hands-on exhibitor demonstrations highlighting the recent technologies that can improve MEP contractors’ productivity and profitability.

2026 WiMI Conference

The annual WiMI conference will feature exceptional speakers, interactive educational sessions, industry related roundtables and opportunities to build lasting relationships with fellow women in the mechanical industry. A full menu of educational offerings will help you discover all the opportunities this industry has to offer. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry.

2025 MEP Innovation Conference

MCAA, NECA and SMACNA have partnered together to host the MEP Innovations Conference. Known as the best technology conference for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, service and sheet metal contractors, this conference will provide educational sessions led by contractors from all three trade associations. This three day event includes innovative presentations, collaborative roundtable discussions, and hands-on exhibitor demonstrations highlighting the recent technologies that can improve MEP contractors’ productivity and profitability.

Job & Company Operations (JCO) Seminars for Construction

Every member of your field and office leadership team will benefit from the Job and Company Operations Seminars. Developing highly trained field and office personnel with good operational practices and solid procedures will lead to more productive projects, reduced duplication of effort, and allow your company to measure tangible results.

These courses are eligible for a 20% rebate on instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Seminars taught by Kathryn Crosby include:

  • JCO 100: Introduction to Project Management
  • JCO 101: Successful Business Communications–It Begins at the Beginning
  • JCO 102: Construction–A People Business
  • JCO 103: Contract Language–What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
  • JCO 104: Dealing With Difficult People at Work
  • JCO 105: The Art of Being an Effective Manager
  • JCO 106: Written Communication Skills
  • JCO 107: Managing Your Cash Flow
  • JCO 108: Control Your Life by Controlling Your Time
  • JCO 109: Understanding and Resolving Conflict
  • JCO 110: Interpersonal Skills of the Project Team
  • JCO 111: The Business of Contracting: Back to the Basics
  • JCO 112: Basic Business Writing for Foremen and Service Technicians
  • JCO 113: Managing Project Risk with Solid Documentation
  • JCO 114: Financial Statements–What You Always Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask
  • JCO 115: Construction Financial Management–It’s More than Accounting
  • JCO 116: General Conditions of the Contract
  • JCO 117: Knowing the Score – Understanding the Impact of Project Forecasting
  • JCO 118: The Profitability of Safety
  • JCO 119: Safety–the Foreman’s Critical Role
  • JCO 120: Knowing the Craft is Not Enough
  • JCO 121: The Successful Entrepreneur 
  • JCO 122: Re-Energize Your Workforce
  • JCO 123: Construction Finance Fundamentals – What your accountant wants you to know
  • JCO 124: Navigating the Numbers – Business Finance for Mechanical Service Professionals

     

2025 WiMI Conference

The annual WiMI conference will feature exceptional speakers, interactive educational sessions, industry related roundtables and opportunities to build lasting relationships with fellow women in the mechanical industry. A full menu of educational offerings will help you discover all the opportunities this industry has to offer. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry.

2025 Safety & Health Conference

MCAA, SMACNA, TAUC have partnered together to host the Safety & Health Conference, the biggest construction safety event of the year. The conference brings together safety professionals from across the construction industry to collaborate and explore the challenges and opportunities within our field. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a range of educational programs designed to enhance their professional skills. Subject Matter Experts will cover various aspects of jobsite safety, including discussions on emerging technologies and evolving best practices that can be implemented in their operations. Hands-on workshops will also be available, allowing experts to delve into new safety & health concepts in detail and provide practical guidance to help attendees better understand these innovative ideas. Two summits will also be offered, a pre-conference Construction Mental Health Summit and a post-conference Construction Risk Management Summit. 

Leadership Access Institute (LAI)

The Leadership Access Institute is designed for emerging & high potential leaders, executives, managers and supervisors. It is here to help them communicate better as well as solve problems, negotiate, understand diversity in the workplace, handle conflicts and understand better business etiquette.

These courses are eligible for a 20% rebate on instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Classes taught by C. Richard Barnes include:

LAI 101: Foundational, Essential and Transformative Skills (Part 1) 
LAI 102: Foundational, Essential and Transformative Skills (Part 2)
LAI 103: Strategic Negotiation Skills (Session 1) 
LAI 104: Strategic Negotiation Skills (Session 2) 
LAI 105: Leading Focused Conversations
LAI 106: Briefing, Educational and Speech Techniques (Part 1)
LAI 107: Advanced Public Speaking Skills

Field and Foreman Leadership Development (FFLD) Seminars

This series will highlight how interactions with coworkers, other tradespeople and the end users can help (or hurt) the direct cost of union tradespeople. As well as how decisions impact safety, insurance, profits and overall company culture at every level of a project. The communication and cooperation between the Project Manager, Detailing Department (VDC) and field leadership sets the tone for the success of any organization. This session will educate ALL sides on what the other is dealing with on a daily basis to better understand how their roles can be improved through leadership, communication and education.

These courses are eligible for a 20% rebate on instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Classes taught by Mark Rogers include:

FFLD 101: The Foreman’s Impact on Profitability 
FFLD 102: High Impact Leadership: Leading Beyond the Project 
FFLD 103: The Real Cost of a Manhour

Fabrication (FAB) Seminars

These seminars are designed for those who are interested in implementing or developing fabrication operations. Project Managers, New and Existing Fab Shop Managers, Field Personnel, Project Managers, Operations Managers, and Company Executives interested in starting or expanding their fabrication process. Regardless of your company’s current capacity, there is opportunity to develop processes that lead to increased project success and profitability, by transforming the way you look at fabrication.

These courses are eligible for a 20% rebate on instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Classes taught by Greg Fuller include:

FAB 101: The Evolution of Fabrication I: Why, How and When (Now)
FAB 102: The Evolution of Fabrication II: Implementing Manufacturing Process for the Construction Industry

Instructor Training Series (ITS) Seminars

Training and knowledge equate to competitive advantage. During these classes, participants will learn how to transfer their knowledge through well designed and strategically structured training sessions. Perfect for JATC instructors, Association Instructors, or Organization Subject Matter Experts wanting to learn how increase retention of material, connect with students, and transfer critical industry knowledge to the next generation. All classes are adapted to fit the needs of each instructor group and their application to the mechanical construction industry. These Workshops are offered individually or as a series.

These courses are eligible for a 20% rebate on instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Classes taught by Leah Gutmann include:

ITS 101: Foundations of Adult Learning
ITS 102: Class Design and Development Skills
ITS 103: Finding Your Presentation Superpowers
ITS 104: There’s an Activity for That
ITS 105: Teaching to the Generations
ITS 106: The Virtual Instructor Tool Kit

Fundamentals of  Service (FOS) Seminars for Service

These seminars are designed to focus on the building blocks of what makes a healthy and successful service company, with an emphasis on customer service, team-building and effective communication.

These courses are eligible for a 20% rebate on instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Seminars taught by Woody Woodall include:

  • FOS 100: Customer Service Class Outline
  • FOS 101: Project Management for Service Outline
  • FOS 102: Transition from Field Tech to Office Professional

Financial Development Series (FDS) Seminars for Service and Construction

Through a series of questions about the audience, area of focus, market, organizational structure, and depth of required knowledge, Leah will create a workshop or series of workshops specifically addressing desired objectives and application of construction and service financial knowledge. Target audiences can range from service teams and technicians to project managers and support staff and to field crews and supervision. Workshops address foundational, intermediate, or advanced topics for your identified group and will include direct application and practice to relevant projects, service work, and company financials.

These courses are eligible for a 20% rebate on instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Seminars taught by Leah Gutmann include:

FDS 100: Mechanical Service Financial Management
FDS 101: Financial Management for The Project Manager – The Basics
FDS 102: Construction Foundations for Foremen
FDS 103: Financial Management for the Mechanical Contractor
FDS 104: Mechanical Construction: The Bigger Financial Picture

Project Profitability (PP) Seminars for Construction

Company principals, top executives, foremen and key project management staff will learn to improve jobsite and office productivity, while enhancing the value delivered to customers. These seminars will help one better understand the construction process, the keys to productivity, and what can be done to maximize jobsite profitability.

These courses are eligible for a 20% rebate on instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Seminars taught by Tom Williams include:

  • PP 100: Changing Behavior on a Problem Job
  • PP 101: Jobsite Productivity: How to Protect It…How to Improve It
  • PP 102: Six Habits of the Highly Productive Foreman
  • PP 103: Six Habits of the Highly Productive Project Manager
  • PP 104: Managing Change Orders and Documenting Construction Disputes
  • PP 105: Developing a Competitive Edge Through Planning
  • PP 106: Communication for Foremen and Project Managers

Other Seminars (OS) for Construction

This seminar is directed towards individuals with at least 5-10 years of experience in managing mechanical construction projects. Company leadership and experienced project management personnel will find great value in the class.

These courses are subsidized by MCAA. No rebate is available.

Seminars taught by John Koontz, MCAA Director, Project Management Education, include:

OS 100: Creating Highly Effective Foremen/Project Manager Partnerships
OS 101: Inside the Great Mechanical Contractors: How do the “Great” Differ from the “Good”?
OS 102: Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime: Understanding and Using the MCAA Management Methods Committee Developed Manual