Backend Category: Career Development Initiative

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 Cole Perkins, Recipient of the 2023 Robert J. Durr, Sr. – NCPWB Partnering Scholarship

Congratulations to Cole Perkins, the recipient of the new Robert J. Durr, Sr. – 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 United Association and the NCPWB, which resulted in the formation of the Joint Welder Testing Program.

Cole is studying Construction Engineering at Iowa State University and will be graduating in May 2024. He’s been an active member of his student chapter and has served as Recruitment Chair and Vice President. Cole previously interned with MCAA Members MMC Contractors and Baker Group.

“I really enjoy seeing how my work in the construction industry positively impacts our community. I especially enjoy building systems and learning how they work and coincide with other trades in the industry. I’m also a very curious person that enjoys learning new topics. I joined my local MCAA student chapter to become active in my future profession and network with others in my industry.

For the future, I would love to be a project manager working with the guys in the field on a daily basis after gathering enough experience to do so. Long-term, I see myself at a company that has a good community-based culture that’s active in their community and participates in volunteering-based opportunities. Working to improve those in my community is important to me.”

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

New Internship Grant Process for 2023

MCAA wants to hear about all of your mechanical contracting interns and has revised the internship grant application process to ensure program success is being rewarded and celebrated.

Part 1: MCAA members with one intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant. Companies with two or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant. One form should be filled out for each intern.  

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. These new hire conversations are now unlimited, but the name of the new hire must be included on a part 1 list from an MCAA member company to be eligible. 

Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted once per calendar year, per intern.

Congratulations to the 88 MCAA member companies that were awarded 2022 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.  

2022 Internship Grant Recipients

  • 1901 Mechanical & Plumbing
  • AMS Mechanical Systems, Inc.
  • ARC Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
  • Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC
  • Arista Air Conditioning Corporation
  • Associated Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
  • Atomatic Mechanical Services, Inc.
  • Auburn Mechanical, Inc.
  • August Winter & Sons, Inc.
  • Autumn Construction Services, Inc.
  • Baker Group
  • Bassett Mechanical
  • Batchelor & Kimball, Inc.
  • B.G. Brecke, Inc.
  • Boland Trane Services, Inc.
  • BPI Mechanical Service, Inc.
  • Brewer-Garrett Company
  • Broadway Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
  • C & R Mechanical Company
  • CFI Mechanical, Inc.
  • Corporate Mechanical of New England, LLC
  • CT Mechanical
  • D V Brown & Associates, Inc.
  • D.V. Brown & Associates, Inc.
  • DiGesare Mechanical, Inc.
  • EMCOR Services Fagan
  • EMCOR Services Mesa Engergy Systems, Inc.
  • EMCOR Services Northeast, Inc. CommAir/BALCO
  • FE Moran, Inc.
  • Gartner Refrigeration
  • Gilbert Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
  • Goshen Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
  • Greiner Brothers, Inc.
  • Harrell-Fish, Inc.
  • HL Moe Company, Inc.
  • Holmberg Mechanical
  • HT Lyons, Inc.
  • Hurst Mechanical
  • John E. Green Company
  • John W. Danforth Company
  • Landry Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
  • Limbach Company LLC
  • M & M Welding & Fabricators, Inc.
  • M.J. Daly LLC
  • Martin Petersen Company, Inc.
  • Maxair, Inc.
  • McCauley Mechanical Construction, Inc.
  • MMC Contractors
  • Modern Controls, Inc.
  • Modern Piping, Inc.
  • New England Sheet Metal and Mechanical Co.
  • North Mechanical Contracting, Inc.
  • NV Heathorn, Inc.
  • Oahu Plumbing & Sheet Metal, Ltd.
  • P1 Group, Inc.
  • Peck, Hannaford & Briggs Company
  • PJ Dionne Company, Inc.
  • PM Contracting, Inc.
  • Poole and Kent Corporation
  • Premier Mechanical, Inc.
  • Pribuss Engineering, Inc.
  • Progressive Mechanical, Inc.
  • Quackenbush Co. Inc.
  • Ray Martin Company of Omaha
  • Roberts Environmental Control Corporation
  • Ryan & Associates, Inc.
  • Scobell Company, Inc.
  • Shambaugh & Son
  • Shank Constructors, Inc.
  • Smith-Boughan, Inc.
  • Southland Industries
  • Speer Mechanical
  • Springfield Engineering Company
  • Strategic Mechanical, Inc.
  • Streimer Sheet Metal Works
  • The Hill Group
  • The Waldinger Corporation
  • The Waldinger Corporation – Omaha
  • Thomas J. Dyer Company
  • Tweet/Garot Mechanical, Inc.
  • U S Engineering Company – Colorado
  • University Mechanical & Engineering Contractors
  • University Mechanical Contractors
  • Way Engineering
  • Weitz Industrial, LLC
  • Westside Mechanical, Inc.
  • William T. Spaeder Company, Inc.
  • Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.

Be on the lookout for the new Intern Wall to highlight the 2022 Internship Grant recipients at MCAA23 in Phoenix! 

Michele Hoffman Will Join the MCAA Staff

MCAA extends a warm welcome to Michele Hoffman, who will be joining the staff starting January 1, 2022. She will be MCAA’s new Director, Career Development as Megan Walsh moves back to full time responsibilities in the Events Department. Michele comes to us from MCA-Omaha, where she spent 13 years working with their local board and committees, and in event management and communications roles. During that time, she served as the Industry Advisor for the University of Nebraska Student Chapter, which was named MCAA Student Chapter of the Year in 2015, 2019, and 2020. She has been a member of MCAA’s Career Development Committee since 2018. Michele is originally from central Illinois, a graduate from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (Advertising Major), and currently resides in Omaha. MCAA is pleased to welcome Michele to the staff, and her husband Eric and their two children to the MCAA staff family.