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William E. Walter Summer Intern Receives MCAA Internship Grant

William E. Walter Inc. Mechanical Contractors (William E. Walter) presented Alex Vernon-Venzuela Peter with an MCAA Internship Grant at the start of his internship. The grant, which is funded by the John R. Gentille Foundation, will help subsidize his expenses while he gains valuable work experience this summer.

Alex is a junior at Ferris State University, where he studies HVAC/R Engineering Technology and Energy Management.

William E. Walter chose to honor their commitment to Alex’s 4-month, 40 hours a week internship in spite of COVID-19. “Even in these challenging times it is important that we continue to support the growth and knowledge of future employees entering into the industry,” said Bruce Wenzlick, the company’s Director of Construction Services.

This is Alex’s first year as an intern with William E. Walter. His duties are focused on estimating and project management. He is assisting with things like quoting new jobs and submittals, change orders, schedules and material tracking.

About the MCAA Internship Grants

Having MCAA interns working at member companies is a win-win for the mechanical contracting industry. Employers get top talent and build a pipeline of future employees. Students gain experience, create connections, develop skills and further their interest in mechanical contracting. In paying the student instead of the employer, MCAA’s goal is to increase the overall number of interns and drive the overall number of talented employees accepting full-time positions with MCAA members after graduation.

How the Grant Application Process Works

The MCAA member company will first ensure a prospective intern is in good standing at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical school. While MCAA encourages its members to give priority to students from the MCAA Student Chapter Program, this is not a requirement to receive a grant.

Each MCAA member company can submit up to two internship grant applications per year. Once an application is reviewed and accepted, MCAA will send a $500 gift card to the member company so it can present the Gift Card to the student at the start of their internship.

MCAA will follow-up with each company and intern to ensure the process and overall internship was successful.

Start Your Search for Top Talent Today

MCAAGreatFutures.org gives members access to student profiles and resumes. The profiles are searchable by university, desired location, and even a specific skill set, like BIM or AutoCAD. A keyword filter allows users to zero in on students who fit the bill.

Not finding a match? Try reaching out to our 60 MCAA Student Chapters. The chapter advisors are a great resource to help find the right person. And, MCAA members have exclusive access to post job openings on our job board.

Help build our industry’s GreatFuture – apply for a grant!

Murphy Company Interns Get Project Experience on Their College Campus

Murphy Company interns Jacob Reed and Morgan Hanley have been onsite project engineering interns for the University of Missouri-Columbia’s NextGen Precision Health Institute. The opportunity has given them a first-hand look at what it takes to build a job on their college campus. 

About the Project

The company continues its work on the facility which supports a systemwide precision health initiative aimed at harnessing and supporting the research activities of its four universities and health system. The building will include lab space for current and new faculty, graduate students, clinicians and have collaborative spaces for work with industry partners.

The facility is the largest single project that the University of Missouri has ever undertaken. The project consists of a new 265,000 sq. ft. six story facility.

The Murphy Company team, in collaboration with their general contractor and trade partners, was hired on in a design-assist capacity completed the following extensive BIM and fabrication on this past year:

  • Identified and corrected 1,134 BIM clashes prior to installation
  • Fabricated 121,000 lbs. of ductwork and 65,000 lbs. of mechanical piping and racks
  • Installed the following:
    • 7,600 Linear Feet (LF) of underground piping
    • 22,500 MEP Trimble points based on BIM
    • 41,700 LF of above ground plumbing and piping
    • 3,4000 of LF of reverse osmosis (RO) piping
    • 21,640 LF of copper process piping

Construction on the institute is expected to be completed in October 2021.

Both Jacob Reed and Morgan Hanley began their internships in Murphy Company’s St. Louis office this past spring semester.  

About Jacob

Jacob is entering his senior year at the University of Missouri-Columbia, studying Mechanical Engineering. In the spring working 20-hour week, Jacob was able to see the project manager role in action by attending coordination meetings, daily site walks and reviewing construction drawings making him more familiar with the project layout. Since the spring Jacob has transition to a full-time intern this summer.

“Since I have transitioned to full-time for the summer, I feel that I am gaining valuable real-world experience without too much of an internship feel. My responsibilities now include reviewing submittals, tracking productivity, and the commissioning process of equipment. I have been able to soak in as much information as possible, ask plenty of questions about topics I did not fully understand, and have real responsibilities that add value to the work being completed here. I believe it is the perfect balance that is allowing me to apply my skills and develop new ones.”

Jacob looks forward to the rest of his summer internship and continue to learn from Murphy employees the importance of coordination, communication, and critical problem solving.

“I have now seen multiple times how project managers are able to take a problem in stride, communicate with co-workers to create a solution, and implement that solution in a timely manner. I am also looking forward to watching further completion of the NextGen Precision Health Institute. I find it very exciting that I get to see firsthand the construction of a multi-million-dollar research institute at my college.”

About Morgan

Morgan Hanley is a Junior at the University of Missouri-Columbia studying chemical engineering. In the spring Morgan was on-site at the NextGen facility and this summer is currently working in Murphy Company’s engineering department.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time so far with Murphy as it has allowed me to apply what I have learned in my coursework to practical, real-world scenarios. I have enjoyed being able to see two pieces of a bigger puzzle at work. Being on site of NextGen and then coming to the Engineering department has been really interesting because it has closed the loop between the drawings and plans I worked with at Mizzou to how those intricate details, sizings, and selections are determined during the design phase. It has been fascinating to observe the complementary aspects of both locations, and I am excited to learn even more during the rest of the summer.”

Start Your Search for Top Talent Today

Find student chapter members like Derrick by visiting MCAAGreatFutures.org, where members have access to student profiles and resumes. The profiles are searchable by university, desired location, and even a specific skill set, like BIM or AutoCAD. A keyword filter allows users to zero in on students who fit the bill.

Help MCAA Tailor Career Programming to Support Your Hiring Needs

MCAA connects students with MCAA members through networking and employment opportunities that help to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders.

The MCAA Career Development Committee is exploring new ways to make these connections with virtual networking and resources in light of the cancellation of the MCAA GreatFutures Forum due to COVID-19.

Please help to ensure that this programming supports your company’s needs by letting us know your company’s hiring plans for the coming year.

Take the Survey

Please contact Megan Walsh if you have questions about the GreatFutures program or our student activities and resources.

SIEMENS Honors Commitment to Summer Interns, Adapts to COVID-19

*Photo taken Summer of 2019

SIEMENS is moving forward with their 2020 Summer Intern Program. The 64 interns are working in 24 Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) branch offices from Alaska to Florida, as well as at SIEMENS Headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Illinois and their Enlighted business. 

The areas of focus for the interns include Mechanical Engineering, Construction and Project Management, and Marketing and Sales.  

The program is designed to give the interns a quality hands-on experience. Through exposure to all facets of the business, interns gain an understanding of everything Smart Infrastructure does. The internship experience may also help them decide what type of career they would like to pursue if they are hired upon graduation. 

Adapting to COVID-19 Restrictions

COVID-19 restrictions forced Siemens to push back the start of its internship program, which began last week. In addition, some interns began their experience remotely due to state restrictions. To make that remote time productive, Siemens shipped company laptops to the interns’ residences along with other items necessary for them to use company systems. 

Program Manager Kristin Junia said, “Ultimately it was important for us to stand by our commitment to the interns we made offers to prior to the pandemic, so we’re working to make the summer successful in every way possible.”

In an effort to make the interns feel a part of something bigger than their local branch or team, SIEMENS has developed a program of virtual lunch and learns and town hall style meetings where they can hear from and ask questions of company executives.  

Students have been assigned web-based training through the company’s corporate training platforms, and are working with their field managers on projects and tasks until they are able to come in to the office. 

Kylie Nedelka, an MCAA Student Chapter member from the University of Missouri-Columbia, is one of the returning interns. You can read her story HERE.

Titan Mechanical Intern Receives MCAA Internship Grant

Titan Mechanical presented Colton Battin with an MCAA Internship Grant at the start of his summer internship. The grant, which is funded by the John R. Gentille Foundation, will help subsidize his expenses while he gains valuable work experience this summer.

Colton is a senior at Bowling Green State University, where he is studying Construction Management. He will be graduating in December 2020. Colton is a member of the new student chapter at Bowling Green State University, sponsored by the MCA of Northwestern, Ohio, Inc.

This is Colton’s second year interning with Titan Mechanical. He has been successful in the office setting since the impacts of COVID-19, simultaneously social distancing while effectively fulfilling responsibilities as an intern. His work involves estimating, assisting project managers. Some of his duties will be reaching out to sub-contractors, vendors and assisting in implementing Titan Mechanical Inc.’s new estimating software. 

John E. Gray, President of Titan Mechanical, had this to say, “Colton will be an asset to any organization moving forward, he really has a thirst for knowledge and wants to be apart of the industry moving forward.” 

About the MCAA Internship Grants

Having MCAA interns working at member companies is a win-win for the mechanical contracting industry. Employers get top talent and build a pipeline of future employees. Students gain experience, create connections, develop skills and further their interest in mechanical contracting. In paying the student instead of the employer, MCAA’s goal is to increase the overall number of interns and drive the overall number of talented employees accepting full-time positions after graduation.

How the Grant Application Process Works

The MCAA member company will first ensure a prospective intern is in good standing at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical school. While MCAA encourages its members to give priority to students from the MCAA Student Chapter Program, this is not a requirement to receive a grant.

Each MCAA member company can submit up to two internship grant applications per year. Once an application is reviewed and accepted, MCAA will send a $500 gift card to the member company so it can present the Gift Card to the student at the start of their internship.

MCAA will follow-up with each company and intern to ensure the process and overall internship was successful.

Start Your Search for Top Talent Today

MCAAGreatFutures.org gives members access to student profiles and resumes. The profiles are searchable by university, desired location, and even a specific skill set, like BIM or AutoCAD. A keyword filter allows users to zero in on students who fit the bill.

Not finding a match? Try reaching out to our 60 MCAA Student Chapters. The chapter advisors are a great resource to help find the right person. And, MCAA members have exclusive access to post job openings on our job board.

Help build our industry’s GreatFuture – apply for a grant!

GreatFutures Forum Cancelled – Virtual Education Program Plans to Come

In light of COVID-19-related restrictions and in the best interests of our members and the students, MCAA has made the decision to cancel the in-person GreatFutures Forum scheduled for October 1-3 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The MCAA Career Development Committee is currently working on the GreatFutures Virtual Education Program that will be scheduled throughout the fall. All students, faculty advisors and MCAA members will be welcome to participate. The annual MCAA Student Chapter Competition project, will not be impacted by this cancellation. The MCAA Student Chapter Competition will be released virtually to the student chapters during the Virtual Education Program.

The MCAA Career Development Committee’s ultimate goal is to continue to create programming and education that will help cultivate the next generation of mechanical contracting industry leaders.

With that in mind, we are trying to gain a better understanding of our contractors’ hiring needs for the next year. Please take a few minutes to let us know your plans.

Take the Survey

Start Your Search for Top Talent Today

While an in-person job fair is not currently feasible, members can visit MCAAGreatFutures.org for access to student profiles and resumes. The profiles are searchable by university, desired location, and even a specific skill set, like BIM or AutoCAD. A keyword filter allows users to zero in on students who fit the bill.

Not finding a match? Try reaching out to our 60 MCAA Student Chapters. The chapter advisors are a great resource to help find the right person. And, MCAA members have exclusive access to post job openings on our job board.

Please contact Megan Walsh if you have questions about the GreatFutures program and any of our student activities.

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: A Pathway to the Industry

In this Beyond the Classroom video, you will meet Harry Bederian, a Senior Project Engineer at ARB, Inc. The past MCAA Student Chapter President talks about how his involvement with both CPMCA and MCAA helped open the door to his career.

He also discusses how MCAA GreatFutures can be a pathway for other students’ careers and helps showcase the vast opportunities available in the mechanical contracting industry.

Recruit the Best Talent – Apply for MCAA Internship Grants!

This year, $500 MCAA Internship Grants are being offered to students who accept internships or full-time positions thanks to funding from the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF). MCAA members can use these grants to help them attract much-needed talent, and interns will appreciate the investment in their success. This small gesture may be the beginning of a great future with your company.

Internship Success

MCAA members are leveraging the internship grants for their interns this summer.

Enginuty LLC presented Matthew Lawrence and Andrew Clancy with MCAA student internship grants at the start of their internships this summer. Matthew is working as a service department sales assistant and Andrew is a project assistant.

Read the full Story HERE.

Bryce Danielson, this year’s Alan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship recipient is continuing his internship for MCA of Omaha member Ray Martin Company. “I have been challenged with many tasks which include estimating and preparing bids, writing purchase orders and subcontracts, and helping with project management duties. They gave me opportunities that no other company would give a first-year intern.”

Read the full Story HERE.

How the Grant Application Process Works

The MCAA member company will first ensure a prospective intern is in good standing at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical school. While MCAA encourages its members to give priority to students from the MCAA Student Chapter Program, this is not a requirement to receive a grant.

Each MCAA member company can submit up to two internship grant applications per year. Once an application is reviewed and accepted, MCAA will send a $500 gift card to the member company so it can present the gift card to the student at the start of their internship.

MCAA will follow-up with each company and intern to ensure the process and overall internship was successful.

Start Your Search for Top Talent Today

MCAAGreatFutures.org gives members access to student profiles and resumes. The profiles are searchable by university, desired location, and even a specific skill set, like BIM or AutoCAD. A keyword filter allows users to zero in on students who fit the bill.

Not finding a match? Try reaching out to our 60 MCAA Student Chapters. The chapter advisors are a great resource to help find the right person. And, MCAA members have exclusive access to post job openings on our job board.

Help build our industry’s GreatFuture – apply for a grant!

Purdue University Advisor Receives Faculty Continuing Education Grant

Ryan Manual, Assistant Professor of Practice for Purdue University, has received a Faculty Continuing Education Grant funded by the John R. Gentille Foundation. Ryan is the current faculty advisor of the MCAA Student Chapter at Purdue.

The Faculty Continuing Education Grant encourages MCAA members to employ college or university faculty on a part-time basis by subsidizing the faculty member’s salary. By working for a MCAA member, faculty gains a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that students may face and are thus better prepared to advise them.

Working with D.A. Dodd

This summer, Ryan will be working as a Temporary Project Advisor with MCA of Indiana member company D.A. Dodd. After meeting with each other, Ryan and D.A. Dodd found the opportunity to be mutually beneficial, the company will grow closer to academia, assisting in helping attract young talent to their organization.

Ryan discussed what he hopes to get out of the two-month position. “I am responsible for teaching all of the mechanical content in our undergraduate curriculum at Purdue. I believe my experience at D.A. Dodd, will improve my lessons and generate ideas to create more engaging learning experiences for my students. I will use this opportunity to strengthen my knowledge in the mechanical contracting industry while staying current with industry practices and trends that I will take directly to the classroom.”

As a temporary project advisor, Ryan will work alongside local and corporate project managers to gain an understanding of their roles, observe the day-to-day functions of a mechanical contractor, and provide insight regarding internship and entry level hiring programs.

Essential responsibilities will include:

• Review challenges and inefficiencies regarding Project Manager procedures, precedence, design clarifications, adequate labor and equipment, schedules, and any other applicable issues

• Assist as needed in managing day-to-day field operations of mechanical, HVAC, or plumbing projects

• Read, analyze, and interpret plans, specifications, controls, drawings, service bulletins, technical procedure manuals, equipment specifications, and government regulations

• Work with Human Resources to restructure and promote D.A. Dodd’s part-time and full-time internship programs

Our New Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide Is Available Online

The full-featured digital version of MCAA’s Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide enhances the look and feel of our printed directory. Download your copy for digital-only benefits that help you stay connected throughout the year. Printed copies are in the mail. Whichever version you choose to use, the directory is free as a benefit of membership.

The digital version of the directory helps you:

  • Network from anywhere with linked email addresses.
  • Connect with the companies, products and services that interest you using linked web addresses.
  • Get where you’re going…fast…with bookmarks and a linked table of contents.
  • Find advertisers instantly with a linked advertiser index.

Download Your Copy

Have updates? Please share! Contact Jan Grillo for assistance updating your member record at any time.