Category: Uncategorized

Congratulations to Madison Deck, Recipient of the Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship

Congratulations to Madison Deck, the recipient of the Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship. This scholarship, which was established in 2022, honors the retired MCA of Cleveland Executive Director, Thomas J. Wanner. Tom became the Executive Director of the Mechanical and Plumbing Contractors Association in the Greater Cleveland area in 1986. As the association executive, he focused tirelessly on labor relations, collective bargaining, education and training, legislation, codes and business operations for over 3 decades. He served as a trustee, a chair, and a member of numerous local industry, business, and civic organizations.

Madison is studying Mechanical Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is anticipated to graduate in May 2027. This past year was her first year in the student chapter and she took on the role of Vice President.

“My involvement with the MCAA student chapter has allowed me to develop a greater understanding of potential careers I have outside of school. In the future, I would like to help student chapter members with their projects and help to introduce students to the mechanical contracting industry.

When people hear the word “engineering,” they usually think of machines. However, the mechanical contracting industry plays a pivotal role in our everyday lives. The temperature of a building drastically affects people’s comfort, health and productivity.

With the knowledge that I’ve gained from majoring in mechanical engineering, I would like to become a design engineer and project manager for a mechanical contractor and oversee projects to see how designs translate to the real world. Even if the economy worsens, there will always be a demand for heating and cooling in buildings. As concerns for the environment grow due to climate change, I would like to discover new ways of lessening the environmental impact of the industry on the planet.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Madison on this prestigious scholarship and thank the MCA/MSCA of Cleveland, Inc. for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

You Have an Intern – Now What?

The start of summer is almost here and a fresh batch of interns will soon be flowing through the doors of mechanical contracting companies across the country. You have hired your interns, but now what do you do with them? MCAA’s Internship Hot Sauce Guide answers this question with a visual display of intern-level tasks, classified by level of industry experience.

Not all sophomores are on the same level, and a freshman with extensive industry knowledge could potentially take on more challenging projects than a senior who has never stepped foot in a jobsite trailer. The Hot Sauce Guide encourages you to meet the intern where they are and work up from Mild to Spicy tasks and at their individual pace.

Check Out the Internship Guide

Congratulations to Kavan Limbasiya, 2024 Robert J. Durr, Sr. – UA/NCPWB Partnering Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Kavan Limbasiya, the recipient of the Robert J. Durr, Sr. – UA/NCPWB Partnering Scholarship, which is in honor of Robert J. Durr, Sr., former chairman of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau Board of Trustees, for his effort and dedication in creating a partnership between the UA and the NCPWB, which resulted in the formation of the Joint Welder Testing Program.

Kavan is studying Construction Management at Pittsburg State University and anticipates graduating in May 2025. He is an active member of his student chapter and will intern with MCAA Member, The Waldinger Corporation this summer.

“I have gained a lot through MCAA not only academically, but also personally. Academically I’ve learned a lot of things about what goes into a fully functional mechanical system. The MCAA Student Chapter Competition project exposed me to the responsibilities of a mechanical company. Personally, MCAA gave me the opportunity to socialize and make connections that have helped me to grow to be a more outgoing person.

Mechanical construction captivates me due to its dynamic nature and the opportunity it provides for innovation. The mix of creativity and precision required in designing and building mechanical systems intrigues me, and I am drawn to what I can contribute to advancements in this field. The hands-on aspect of mechanical construction aligns perfectly with my desire for practical, real-world applications of engineering principles. Moreover, the continuous evolution of technology in mechanical systems excites me and I’m eager to immerse myself in a field that demands adaptability and problem-solving skills. I see mechanical construction as not just a career path, but as a platform to make a meaningful impact by shaping the future.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Kavan on this prestigious scholarship and thank the NCPWB for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Congratulations to Daniel Kellen, 2024 Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Daniel Kellen, one of two recipients of the first ever Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarship. This $5,000 scholarship was established by Armistead Mechanical, Inc. and the family of Robert “Bob” Armistead to symbolize his leadership, dedication, and impact on the mechanical contracting industry. In honor of Bob’s service as MCAA President, the selected winners are required to have served as their local student chapter president.

Daniel is a Construction Engineering student at Iowa State University and is anticipated to graduate in May 2025. He’s an active member of his student chapter, served as president, and previously interned at MCAA Member, the Baker Group. For the summer of 2024, he will be interning at MCAA Member, Harris Company as a Construction Project Manager Intern.

“At my previous internship, I liked that many employees were graduates from the same program I’m studying. It made working with everyone very relatable. I also enjoyed that each new day I had something related to an actual job that I was working on. Every task I was given was important in some way to a real job. The fact that I was actively making a difference and gaining real experience in dealing with day-to-day problems in the construction world was extremely gratifying.

Mechanical construction is a niche area of work. I like the fact that the mechanical systems are like the nervous system of the building. Without them, you have a structure, but not much else. 

In the future, I see myself working as an assistant project manager immediately after graduation, hopefully with a company I have worked with already. Five years later, I hope to be running projects of my own and helping more people. I believe the experience and responsibilities entrusted to me by the companies I have worked with in the past make me more than prepared to start working on more detail-oriented projects. If I didn’t have previous experience, I would have to learn the basics of working on a jobsite instead of progressing further along.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Daniel on this prestigious scholarship and thank Armistead Mechanical, Inc. and the family of Robert T. Armistead for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Save the Date for MCAA’s 2024 GreatFutures Forum

Although summer ’24 isn’t quite here yet, it’s already time to start the process for securing your summer ’25 interns! Save the date for the 2024 MCAA GreatFutures Forum (September 26-28, 2024) in Seattle, WA. Conference registration, including the 9/27 Job Fair, is complimentary for MCAA Members, Local Association Executives and Forum Sponsors. Registration will open on June 14th.

Congratulations to Drew Figura, 2024 Bolton Family Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Drew Figura, the recipient of the new Bolton Family Scholarship. This $5,000 scholarship was established to pay tribute to the significant contributions that the Boltons have provided to the construction industry and the dedicated service they have provided to the employees of Arden Building Companies.

The scholarship honors the family’s dedicated volunteer work within the communities they service in Rhode Island, notably their efforts in aiding children from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking backgrounds in mastering the English language within the school system and their improvements with the Ronald McDonald House. The scholarship embodies the values of service, community engagement and support for those in need that have been integral to the Bolton family’s legacy.

Drew is studying Construction Management at the University of Nebraska and is expecting to graduate in the winter of 2025. He is an active member of his student chapter and has interned with MCAA Member, the Helm Group.

“What I have gained as part of MCAA is lots of connections in the construction industry, which has helped me in school, but will also help me in the future during my career. This past summer I worked for a general contractor, but my student chapter mentor through the MCA-Omaha Leadership Academy was the project manager on the job. Having him there was beneficial and he taught me a lot about the systems being installed for the project. After my summer internship, my mentor offered me an internship at Helm Group. Before being part of MCAA, I didn’t even know what mechanical construction was.

In the past year and a half, I’ve learned that mechanical construction plays a large role in almost all construction projects. I can see myself in mechanical once I graduate in two years. I enjoy the team I’m working with and can see myself working there once I graduate.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Drew on this prestigious scholarship and thank the Bolton Family and Arden Engineering Companies for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

On the Hunt for New Hires? Post to the GreatFutures Job Board to Attract Spring Grads!

Graduation season is quickly approaching and students majoring in construction-related fields are searching for that perfect first full-time position. Many of these spring graduates have internship experience at home, but are looking to explore a new geographic location. The GreatFutures Job Board is a tool to help match these students from 40 colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada with MCAA members looking to hire. Post your full-time, entry-level positions today to attract qualified students ready to start their career in mechanical contracting!

How to Post an Entry-Level Job or Internship 

  • Login with an MCAA username and password
  • Click on the job board within the Career Development page
  • Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
  • Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
  • When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
  • Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
  • Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
  • From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process

Hired an Intern? Submit an Internship Grant 

Already have an intern? Don’t forget to submit your Intern Grants for 2024! Part 1 applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2 or more interns. Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit Part 2 for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. 

Part 1:

  • Submit an application for each intern (Interns must be listed on a Part 1 application to be eligible for Part 2)
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
  • Companies with one intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant OR companies with two or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant

Part 1: Internship Grant Application

Part 2:

For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 list from an MCAA member company. Submit the form below to notify MCAA of a new hire conversion.
• Part 2 application may not be submitted until after the full-time start date.

Part 2: Internship Grant Application

Didn’t Make it to the ‘Hire Me’ Job Fair at MCAA24? Post Your Entry-Level Job or Internship on the GreatFutures Job Board!

Student chapter members have returned from MCAA24 in Orlando and many are looking to finalize their summer employment plans. Get your position noticed by posting it on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board, which is targeted to student chapter members looking for an internship or their first job upon graduation. These students had an exceptional week at the convention and are eager to join the mechanical contracting industry. Post your job today to gather resumes of interested students.

How to Post an Entry-Level Job or Internship 

  • Login with an MCAA username and password
  • Click on the job board within the Career Development page
  • Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
  • Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
  • When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
  • Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
  • Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
  • From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process

Hired an Intern? Submit an Internship Grant 

Already have an intern? Don’t forget to submit your Intern Grants for 2024! Part 1 applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2 or more interns. Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit Part 2 for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. 

Part 1:

  • Submit an application for each intern (Interns must be listed on a Part 1 application to be eligible for Part 2)
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
  • Companies with one intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant OR companies with two or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant

Part 1: Internship Grant Application

Part 2:

For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 list from an MCAA member company. Submit the form below to notify MCAA of a new hire conversion.
• Part 2 application may not be submitted until after the full-time start date.

Part 2: Internship Grant Application

Get Ready to Meet Your Next Intern or New Hire at MCAA24!

Over 150 students from 28 MCAA student chapters are registered for MCAA24. They will soon be scoping out MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board for companies they would like to meet with in Orlando to discuss internships and entry-level, full-time positions. Post your job today and be sure to stop by the ‘Hire Me’ Job Fair in the foyer outside the Manufacturer/Supplier Council Exhibit on Tuesday, March 19th to meet with potential candidates in person. 

Students seeking employment opportunities will be stationed at tables based on where they would like to find work, not necessarily where they’re located now. Tables will be separated geographically into West, Central and East. Stop by the table that best fits your company’s location and find your next great hire.

Connection Corner Schedule

Visit the Connection Corner in the Palazzo Ballroom Foyer during Convention breaks for informal networking opportunities.  

  • Monday, March 18  | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
  • Tuesday, March 19 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM  

MCAA24 Student Chapters 

The following schools will be represented at MCAA24. Be sure to check out the “We’re Here Banner” in the Connection Corner for the most up to date listing of schools as they arrive on site.  

  • Auburn University
  • Ball State University 
  • Binghamton University
  • Bradley University
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • California State University, Chico
  • California State University, East Bay
  • California State University, Sacramento 
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University 
  • Ferris State University
  • Illinois State University 
  • Indiana State University 
  • Iowa State University 
  • Kansas State University 
  • Kent State University 
  • McMaster University 
  • Missouri State University 
  • Oregon State University 
  • Pittsburg State University 
  • Purdue University 
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 
  • University of Maryland, College Park 
  • University of Nebraska 
  • University of Southern California 
  • University of Washington 
  • University of Wisconsin-Stout
  • Virginia Tech 
  • Washington State University 
REGISTER FOR MCAA24

How to Post an Entry-Level Job or Internship 

  • Login with an MCAA username and password
  • Click on the job board within the Career Development page
  • Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
  • Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
  • When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
  • Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
  • Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
  • From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process

Hired an Intern?  Submit an Internship Grant 

Already have an intern?  Don’t forget to submit your Intern Grants for 2024!  Part 1 applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2 or more interns.  Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit Part 2 for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. 

Part 1:

  • Submit an application for each intern (Interns must be listed on a Part 1 application to be eligible for Part 2)
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
  • Companies with one intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant OR companies with two or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant

Part 1: Internship Grant Application

Part 2:

For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 list from an MCAA member company.  Submit the form below to notify MCAA of a new hire conversion.
• Part 2 application may not be submitted until after the full-time start date.

Part 2: Internship Grant Application

Get Ready to Meet Your Next Intern or New Hire at MCAA24!

Around 150 students from 28 MCAA student chapters are registered for MCAA24. They will soon be scoping out MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board for companies they would like to meet with in Orlando to discuss internships and entry-level, full-time positions. Post your job today and be sure to stop by the ‘Hire Me’ Job Fair in the foyer outside the Manufacturer/Supplier Council Exhibit on Tuesday, March 19th to meet with potential candidates in person. 

Students seeking employment opportunities will be stationed at tables based on where they would like to find work, not necessarily where they’re located now. Tables will be separated geographically into West, Central and East. Stop by the table that best fits your company’s location and find your next great hire.

Connection Corner Schedule

Visit the Connection Corner in the Palazzo Ballroom Foyer during Convention breaks for informal networking opportunities.  

  • Monday, March 18  | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
  • Tuesday, March 19 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM  

MCAA24 Student Chapters 

The following schools will be represented at MCAA24. Be sure to check out the “We’re Here Banner” in the Connection Corner for the most up to date listing of schools as they arrive on site.  

  • Auburn University
  • Ball State University 
  • Binghamton University
  • Bradley University
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • California State University, Chico
  • California State University, East Bay
  • California State University, Sacramento 
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University 
  • Ferris State University
  • Illinois State University 
  • Indiana State University 
  • Iowa State University 
  • Kansas State University 
  • Kent State University 
  • McMaster University 
  • Missouri State University 
  • Oregon State University 
  • Pittsburg State University 
  • Purdue University 
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 
  • University of Maryland, College Park 
  • University of Nebraska 
  • University of Southern California 
  • University of Washington 
  • University of Wisconsin-Stout
  • Virginia Tech 
  • Washington State University 
REGISTER FOR MCAA24

How to Post an Entry-Level Job or Internship 

  • Login with an MCAA username and password
  • Click on the job board within the Career Development page
  • Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
  • Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
  • When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
  • Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
  • Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
  • From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process

Hired an Intern?  Submit an Internship Grant 

Already have an intern?  Don’t forget to submit your Intern Grants for 2024!  Part 1 applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2 or more interns.  Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit Part 2 for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. 

Part 1:

  • Submit an application for each intern (Interns must be listed on a Part 1 application to be eligible for Part 2)
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
  • Companies with one intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant OR companies with two or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant

Part 1: Internship Grant Application

Part 2:

For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 list from an MCAA member company.  Submit the form below to notify MCAA of a new hire conversion.
• Part 2 application may not be submitted until after the full-time start date.

Part 2: Internship Grant Application