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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 

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 

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

Department of Defense Announces new Cybersecurity Requirements

In 2020, the Department of Defense announced a new strategic effort to provide enhanced cybersecurity efforts for their building projects going forward. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) will ensure accountability for companies to implement cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive data during the design, build and operations of DoD facilities. Through research grants by the John R. Gentille Foundation and ELECTRI International, a video series, along with official DoD CMMC documentation, has been produced by MCAA’s Chief Security Fanatic, Nick Espinosa to provide ongoing updates on CMMC changes as the standard evolves and in-depth tutorials on all 110 CMMC Level 2 security controls.

Hire Me October – Internship Guide Resources

The MCAA Career Development Committee recently released a set of resources focused on internships. Ever wonder when the best time is to hire an intern? Quick answer – NOW! 

Of course, any time of year is a great time when you find the perfect candidate, but the most practical time to hone in on your search and devote additional resources to hiring strategies is during the month of October, especially for summer internships.

Check out the full MCAA Internship Guide and pay special attention to the Hire Me October segment, which highlights four unique ideas that could spark inspiration for the next out-of-the-box hiring strategy at your company.  

Not sure where to begin with an intern? Start with the Internship Best Practices Guide for a timeline of events, and then consider creating an Industry Orientation Day. Finally, once you have your intern identified, meet them where they are in skills using the Hot Sauce Guide

The first step – finding an intern!  Post your internship or entry-level job today on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board.

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

* New jobs are highlighted every two weeks on the mcaagreatfutures Instagram page.

Have Questions or Need Assistance? Contact MCAA’s Michele Hoffman.

Students Explored Mechanical Contracting Careers During the GreatFutures Forum Job Fair

Just under 150 students from 30 MCAA student chapters attended the GreatFutures Forum Job Fair in Milwaukee, WI. Students were prepped with conversational tools from a variety of speakers leading up to the fair. The two keynote speakers reminded attendees to embrace wonder and ‘wow’ when visualizing their future career and offered a playbook for building a confidence skillset to open new doors (and windows) beyond their currently visualized reach. The opening panel, “Different Paths to Mechanical,” highlighted that no two career paths are ever truly identical and the best way to a GREAT future is to always keep your eyes open to the wide variety of opportunities available in our industry. 

Job Fair Encouraged Networking

During the non-traditional job fair, students connected with MCAA members looking for interns and full-time new hires.  Employers proudly sported their company shirts and students were all easily identifiable in their bright blue matching GreatFutures Forum attire. Upon entry, everyone grabbed beads to signify if they were looking for/offering an internship (yellow), full-time position post-graduation (green), or if they were in a supportive role and just there for the bacon (purple).  

Students and employers networked their way through the room, scanned name badge QR codes to trade contact information, and followed up with quick on-site interviews. Blank business cards were available for the students to utilize and on the back of each card was the link to the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board.  

Mark Your Calendar for Our 2024 Event

Make sure to be in the room for our next GreatFutures Forum Job Fair in Seattle, WA – September 26-28, 2024! Until then, be sure to visit the Student Chapter Connection Corner at MCAA24 and remember to post frequently on the job board. Don’t forget to utilize your local resources by connecting with student chapter faculty advisors and/or local affiliated executives (student chapter industry advisors) in your area. 

Additional Career-Related Resources

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

* New jobs highlighted every 2 weeks. 

2023-2024 JRGF Scholarships & Grants – Applications Open!

The 2023-2024 John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) scholarship and grant applications are now available and are due by December 15th (4:00 PM CST). Over $75,000 in scholarships and grants will be awarded to MCAA student chapter members during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast at MCAA24 in Orlando. Don’t miss your chance to be among the recipients!

JRGF and our generous donors are proud to present the following scholarships:

Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship

  • MCA of New Jersey
  • $2,500 each, two offered 

ATP Inspiring Future Leaders Scholarship

  • ATP Learning Solutions
  • $2,500

Robert J. Durr, Sr. – UA/ NCPWB Partnering Scholarship

  • National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau
  • $2,500

DEWALT Patriot Scholarship
(Open to military veterans or those who are currently serving.)

  • DEWALT
  • $5,000 each, two offered 

Donald V. Brown, Sr. Family Memorial Scholarship

  • D.V. Brown & Associates
  • $5,000

Ferguson – Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship 
(Open to female students.)

  • Ferguson 
  • $5,000 each, two offered 

Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

  • McCarl Family
  • $5,000

Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship

  • John W. Danforth Company
  • $5,000

Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship 

  • MCA/MSCA of Cleveland
  • $5,000

Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship
(Open to Competition Final Four Team Members interested in a career in estimating.)

  • Trimble 
  • $5,000

Viega – Joe Pikus Scholarship

  • Viega 
  • $5,000

William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

  • Kinetics
  • $5,000

Josam Endowed Scholarship 
(Three-year endowed scholarship for sophomores.)

  • Josam Company 
  • $2,500 x3 years (awarded 2022-2023)

Student Chapter Grants

Applications for Student Chapter of the Year and Educator of the Year are also available and due on December 15th by 4:00 PM CST.

Chapter of the Year

  • $3,000 + Trophy 

Applications are to be completed by the student chapter President or another student leader within the chapter.  Applications from faculty advisors or industry advisors will not be accepted. Only one application per chapter will be accepted.  

Educator of the Year

  • $5,000 + Trophy 

Applications are to be completed by the student chapter President or another student leader within the chapter or an industry advisor. Peer-to-peer faculty nominations will not be accepted.  

Please contact Michele Hoffman (MCAA Director, Career Development) at 402-305-8969 or mhoffman@mcaa.org with any questions.

Post an Internship Now to Get Noticed at GFF23

Around 150 students from across the country and Canada will be attending the MCAA GreatFutures Forum in Milwaukee, WI on September 28-30. One of the main conference goals is to educate these college students on the ins and outs of the mechanical contracting industry and the GREAT Future that lies ahead for them. The ultimate way for a student to gain experience and determine that mechanical is indeed the career path for them is through hands-on learning with an internship.

Whether or not your company is able to attend the conference in person, use the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board to get your internships (and entry-level full-time jobs) in front of students who are eager to explore career opportunities not only in their own backyard, but possibly someplace new.  Campus career fairs are in full swing and now is the best time to start conversations for summer 2024. 

MCAA GreatFutures Job Board – 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

We look forward to connecting your company with the next generation of industry talent. If you have questions or need assistance doing this, contact Michele Hoffman.

Post an Internship Now to Get Noticed at GFF23

Around 150 students from across the country and Canada will be attending the MCAA GreatFutures Forum in Milwaukee, WI on September 28-30. One of the main conference goals is to educate these college students on the ins and outs of the mechanical contracting industry and the GREAT Future that lies ahead for them. The ultimate way for a student to gain experience and determine that mechanical is indeed the career path for them is through hands-on learning with an internship. 

Whether or not your company is able to attend the conference in person, use the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board to get your internships (and entry-level full-time jobs) in front of students who are eager to explore career opportunities not only in their own backyard, but possibly someplace new.  Campus career fairs are in full swing and now is the best time to start conversations for summer 2024. 

MCAA GreatFutures Job Board – 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

Still interested in Attending the 2023 GreatFutures Forum?

September 28-30, 2023 | Milwaukee, WI

Registration for the entire conference is complimentary for MCAA contractor members and has been extended to Tuesday, September 5th.  Visit the GreatFutures Forum webpage for the full program and registration, as well as information about our untraditional job fair. The best part: There aren’t booths and trinkets, and you don’t need to bring anything besides yourself. See you in Milwaukee!

Purdue Faculty Advisors’ Summer Internships at MCAA Member Companies Benefit Jobsites & Students

Jason Merchant and Ryan Manuel, both faculty advisors for the student chapter at Purdue University, took advantage of the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Faculty Continuing Education Grant to intern with MCAA member companies this summer. By working in the industry, they better understand  the challenges and opportunities that students may face and are thus better prepared to advise them. This industry experience will also help them to better teach mechanical subject matter, so the students coming out of their classes are better prepared to excel in our industry. 

Garvey France (HFI Intern) / Ryan Manuel (D.A. Dodd Faculty Intern) / Hayden Copass (D.A. Dodd Intern)

Ryan Manuel spent his summer with D.A. Dodd (Lafayette, IN) as a Faculty Intern. He used his academic and industry background to participate in a multi-dimensional role that included assisting with summer interns, conducting site visits, attending project status meetings and promoting the use of construction management software.  He conducted a workshop on software for D.A. Dodd’s foremen to help them streamline processes and to boost overall productivity. 

“Interning at D.A. Dodd offered an immersive and eye-opening exposure to the day-to-day operations of a growing mechanical contractor. I encountered intricate project schedules, struggled with tight budgets, and grasped the intricacies of team dynamics – something that can’t be fully replicated in a classroom setting. I gained extensive knowledge from observing complex mechanical installations and coordinating with subcontractors.  The D.A. Dodd team’s remarkable ability to solve on-site problems with ingenuity and resilience was truly amazing.  The experience highlighted the significance of adaptability, which I intend to emphasize to my students as I return to the classroom this fall.” 

Ryan Manuel, Purdue University Faculty Advisor
Tristan Ruhlman (HFI Intern) /  Brady Wever (Project Manager) / Jason Merchant (HFI Faculty Intern)

Jason Merchant spent his summer with Harrell-Fish, Inc. (HFI) (Columbus, IN), primarily on renovation of an old mall that is turning into an all-inclusive medical complex. Every type of medical doctor from a general practitioner to an endocrinologist will be in the facility, which is designed to boost community well-being by making medical appointments more convenient.

“In my CM 150 materials and methods class I stress 3 things:

  1. Respect for the men and women who do the day to day work.
  2. Safety is of utmost importance for a successful project. 
  3. The construction industry as a whole tends to become a small world with the more experience you garner. 

All three of these points came to fruition this summer during my Faculty Internship. I am unique in the aspect that I am a card-carrying UA member and am able to still perform field work.  My involvement with the MCAA and MCAI has also kept me relevant and up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. It’s obvious to any student who comes into our classroom or lab at Purdue that I am passionate about the mechanical industry. The JRGF scholarship will allow me to help foster that passion by sharing my first-hand experience and knowledge with my students. The primary objectives that I’ll be bringing back to the classroom this fall include lessons learned from the field, working as a team, and the importance of effectively communicating in this industry.

Additionally, boots on the ground is an important part in the big picture of the mechanical industry. The JRGF grant was a fortuitous opportunity and something that I feel many MCAA faculty advisors should utilize. Anyone who teaches HVAC, mechanical or plumbing curriculum will grow and benefit from a summer spent with an MCAA member, made possible by the JRGF grant. The opportunity to work with member contractors is invaluable.” 

Jason Merchant, Purdue University Faculty Advisor

Learn More

MCAA members interested in employing a faculty advisor over the summer or faculty interested applying for a JRGF Faculty Continuing Education Grant should contact MCAA Director of Career Development, Michele Hoffman at mhoffman@mcaa.org for additional information about the program for Summer 2024.