Secure Your Employment Picks at MCAA26!

February 23, 2026

Nearly 200 students from 33 MCAA student chapters will be attending MCAA26. Those still on the hunt for a summer internship or their first post-graduation full-time position are actively scoping out MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board. Post your job today and be sure to stop by the ‘Hire Me’ Job Fair outside the Manufacturer/Supplier Exhibit to meet with potential candidates in person!

What Are the Job Fair Details at MCAA26?

Sponsored by Viega
Grand Saguaro Ballroom Foyer
Tuesday, March 17th (7:00 – 10:00 AM)

Students seeing 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 with flags signifying West, Central and East.  Stop by the ‘Hire Me’ Job Fair to find a table that best fits your company’s location and find your next GREAT hire.

When Else Can I Connect with Students at MCAA26?

An additional opportunity to connect with students is located at the Connection Corner. This space is perfect for both contractor/student casual employment conversations, as well as student peer-to-peer meetups for chapters looking to discuss best practices and share ideas. Blank business cards and various swag promoting student chapter resources will also be available.

Head to the Grand Saguaro Ballroom Foyer during these hours:

  • Sunday, March 15th: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Monday, March 16th: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Tuesday, March 17th: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Wednesday, March 18th: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Thursday, March 19th: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Where Else Can I Meet Up with Students at MCAA26?

Here are a few ideas for connecting at MCAA26:

  • Annual 5K Fun Run & 1-Mile Walk (sponsored by ASC Engineered Solutions)
  • 5th Annual Pickleball Tournament (sponsored by NIBCO Inc.)
  • WiMI Reception
  • Student Chapter Competition (prizes sponsored by DEWALT Industrial Tool Company)
  • Awards of Excellence Breakfast (sponsored by MILWAUKEE TOOL)
  • Education Seminar: Game On – The Future Winner’s Circle for Your Company

Which Student Chapters will be at MCAA26?

The following schools will be represented at MCAA26. 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 in Phoenix.

  • Alfred State College
  • Arizona State University
  • Auburn University
  • Ball State University
  • Binghamton University
  • Bradley University
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • 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
  • Milwaukee School of Engineering
  • Missouri State University
  • Oregon State University
  • Pittsburg State University
  • Purdue University
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  • University of Manitoba
  • University of Maryland, College Park
  • University of Missouri–St. Louis
  • University of Nebraska
  • University of Wisconsin–Stout
  • Utica University
  • Virginia Tech
  • Washington State University

How Do I 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 themcaagreatfutures Instagrampage. 

If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to MCAA’s Michele Hoffman

Are Any Internship Grants Available for Employers?

Yes! JRGF is currently offering Internship Grants for employers. The 2026 grants are intended to offer support to companies that are new to offering internships, small companies, or those that are looking to grow their internship program.

  • Applications are due April 1, 2026, for 2026 planned internships. Notifications will be sent in May.
  • Grant submissions are to be submitted by the company. One application per company location.
  • 25 total grants will be available for $1,000 each, funded by JRGF.
    • 8-week internship minimum may occur anytime during 2026.
    • Intern may be from any 4-year accredited college or university.
    • Following the internship, a photo must be submitted with the intern on the jobsite, at the office, by a company sign, or in branded swag.

Visit MCAA’s Career Development Initiative page to learn more about student chapter programming or the JRGF website to explore the work JRGF is doing to further education in the mechanical industry.

Related Articles
At its July 18–19, 2025 meeting, the MCAA Board of Directors reviewed and advanced a series of proposed bylaws changes designed to modernize membership classifications and ensure the long‑term sustainability of Association funding. MCAA members will be voting on these changes at MCAA26.…
In Part 2 of the Construction Helmet Research Program video series, we take a closer look at the partnership behind the data.…
U.S. union membership remained essentially unchanged in 2025, with 10.0 percent of wage and salary workers belonging to a union, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The total number of union members stood at 14.7 million, well below the 17.7 million recorded in 1983, the first year of comparable data.…
Service leaders may lack clear, data‑backed insight into whether their operations, pricing, staffing, and technology choices are competitive—causing missed revenue, weaker margins, and inefficient growth decisions. The MSCA 2025 Benchmark Survey provides valuable insight into key performance indicators (KPIs), business practices, sales, and trends across the mechanical service industry. This is one of the most powerful tools available to see how your company compares, identify growth opportunities, and guide future planning. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.…