Backend Category: Career Development Initiative

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

2023-2024 Educator of the Year Winner – Joe Karpinski

The student chapter members at Kent State University proudly nominated Joe Karpinski for the MCAA 2023-2024 Educator of the Year award based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, participation in chapter activities, and involvement in the creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through the MCA/MSCA of Cleveland, Inc. In addition to a trophy, he received a $5,000 award.

“After teaching in the Akron Public Schools for 30 years, in 2005, Joe was approached by Kent State University to create a construction management program. In 2007, Joe founded the CM Major with just 15 students. In 2024, the program has a major, minor, over 30 courses, and 260 students.

2007 also brought the start of the MCAA Chapter at Kent State with the GreatFutures Forum being held just an hour away in Cleveland. Joe brought 13 students to the conference and in the Spring of 2008, Kent State’s MCAA Student Chapter was officially charted. 

The Kent State chapter and program would not be what it is today without Joe Karpinski. After 17 years at Kent State, and a fulfilling career of 47 years teaching, Joe will be retiring at the conclusion of the Spring 2024 semester. On behalf of all the Kent State student members, we can confidently say that Joe has had a tremendous impact on who we are as students, chapter members, and early professionals.

We will miss him dearly and are eternally grateful for the scholarships, internships, jobs, support, and opportunities he has provided for us. Joe has been more than just an advisor to us. His mentorship will never be taken for granted and we are grateful to have been cared for by Joe as if we were a part of his family. We thank Joe for all his efforts over the years and we hope he has a lasting and enjoyable retirement. He has absolutely made his mark on Kent State and all of his students’ lives.

– Morgan Fischer – Kent State University Student

Morgan goes on to describe Joe Karpinski’s approach to several areas:

Recruiting

Joe makes announcements and explains in every class for many weeks about joining the MCAA chapter and encourages participation in the competition. His reach to all the students is a tremendous help. With teaching the internship course, he also assists in bridging communications between the student chapter and getting those students involved with mechanical contractors.

Employment Opportunities

Joe works with the Student Organization Board to organize two career fairs each year, hosting over 70 companies, including many from the MCA/MSCA of Cleveland chapter. This event is heavily encouraged for students to attend, although since some companies and students don’t attend, Joe is able to utilize his connections to follow-up and connect students for internships and full-time positions. Students always know they can come to Joe if they are unable to secure an internship, and he’s had great success in making connections over the years. 

Leadership

Joe could not be a better role model for the Kent State students. He is positive and an open-handed advisor, allowing his students to explore their ideas, but ready to help when needed. Joe has always only been a text, phone call, or email away and offers endless support for the chapter’s endeavors. Joe is always there to help tackle new ideas and the first in line to help obtain the resources needed by the chapter. 

Congratulations to Kent State’s Joe Karpinski on being awarded the 2023-2024 Educator of the Year! MCAA wishes you a happy and well-deserved retirement!

2023-2024 Student Chapter of the Year Winner – University of Maryland, College Park

At the MCAA24 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 20th, the University of Maryland, College Park was awarded the 2023-2024 MCAA Student Chapter of the Year for their continued achievement and overall focus on offering career opportunities in mechanical contracting to their student membership.

Sponsoring Local Affiliate: MCA of Metropolitan Washington, Inc.

  • Tom Bello – Executive Vice President
  • Randall Chenworth – Director of Education

Faculty Advisor

  • Fitzgerald Walker – University of Maryland, College Park

Career Development

During the past year, the chapter participated in three field trips on the UMD (University of Maryland) campus to learn about mechanical systems first-hand. The students especially enjoyed their tour of the UMD Kim Engineering Building HVAC system, one of the most efficient and sophisticated mechanical systems on campus. By touring all floors of the building, they got an idea of the scale and complexity involved in the construction and conditioning of a commercial building that controls the indoor air quality for numerous classrooms and laboratories. The students were able to apply some of the principles from their campus tours directly to their 2023-2024 MCAA Student Chapter Competition project. The chapter received a Merit award for a Top Ten placement in that competition. 

Student members also organized a professional development meeting where one of their MCA Metropolitan Washington mentors presented “things to do and NOT to do as an intern or new employee.” The session emphasized items such as work attire, appropriate and formal communication, and punctuality. 

Recruitment

Coming into the 2023-2024 school year, the UMD student chapter members knew that recruitment would be one of the most important factors to focus on. With only 4 returning students, they made a plan to attend several student organizational meetings and fairs in hopes of attracting students interested in mechanical contracting. Through their recruitment strategies highlighted below, the chapter successfully grew from 4 to 17 students. 

  • Attended the New Student Fair
  • Attended the Mechanical Engineering Student Organizational Fair
  • Talked to fellow students one-on-one
  • Collected recommendations from professors
  • Sent Engineering Department mass e-mails
  • Participated in classroom visits to announce the chapter
  • Arranged for MCA of Metropolitan Washington to present to a Project Management class

One of the most successful recruiting fairs was the A. James Clark School of Engineering New Student Fair, which focuses primarily on incoming freshman and new mechanical engineering students. Due to the younger demographic of this event, the chapter was able to focus on recruiting students who could learn from current chapter leaders and then continue the chapter in the future. Likewise, the ClarkLEAD Engineering Student Organization Fair is a program where new first-year and transfer students participate in activities to develop a sense of connectedness to their peers and community. During this fair, three members of the student chapter spoke on a panel and shared the benefits of belonging to their chapter in front of 60 new students.  

The chapter also used an interview process for potential members this year. Prospective students interviewed with the chapter’s co-presidents, who explained the basics of the chapter, MCA of Metropolitan Washington, and MCAA with a PowerPoint. Each prospective student could then determine whether chapter membership is consistent with their goals and career aspirations. The interviews also allowed the co-presidents to see if the prospective student was a good fit for the chapter and its end goal of educating future mechanical contractors and engineers.

Student Chapter Fundraising

Student chapter members volunteered to staff golfer registration, a putting contest and a raffle at the MCA of Metropolitan Washington Student Chapter Golf Tournament. This event, which invites mechanical contracting companies from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area to the UMD Golf Course, provides an excellent opportunity for student chapter members to interact with mechanical contractors in a more relaxed and non-interview-based setting. The event raised over $18,000, including close to $2,000 from the student raffle.

Community Service

One especially notable event for the chapter was reading to students at Francis T. Evans Elementary School. The chapter members read “Grit Leads to Greatness,” a children’s book that highlights the need for the trades as two siblings go on a journey in a dystopian society. One book (sponsored by Procore) was distributed to each chapter at the MCAA GreatFutures Forum in Milwaukee last fall. After reading the book to a 3rd grade class, the chapter members answered numerous questions about mechanical contracting and learned this was the first exposure to the trades for many of the elementary students. The chapter loved the experience of sharing their passion for the industry so much that they worked with faculty advisor Fitzgerald Walker and the MCA of Metropolitan Washington to distribute 70 copies of the book to children at that school a month later. 

The UMD students also held a food drive on campus this past winter. Following the month-long drive, they delivered three large boxes full of non-perishable food items to the University of Maryland food pantry. The chapter wanted to do something to give back to those less fortunate in their community, especially during the holiday season.

Congratulations to the University of Maryland, College Park on this well-deserved recognition!

CalPoly San Luis Obispo Won the Student Chapter Competition, Plus Students & Educators Were Recognized at MCAA24

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo emerged as the victors in the Student Chapter Competition and returned to campus with a $10,000 prize following their Final Four presentation at MCAA24. The University of Maryland, College Park was selected as the 2023-2024 Student Chapter of the Year and Joe Karpinski, faculty advisor for Kent State University, was recognized as the Educator of the Year. Individual students were recognized with a variety of scholarships and for the first time, the combination of awards and grants distributed at an MCAA Convention totaled over $100,000! 

Congratulations to the following students, faculty members and student chapters!

JRGF Scholarships 

Brian Helm, President of the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), announced the recipients of the following scholarships at the Awards of Excellence Breakfast at MCAA24.  He noted that the students receiving scholarships were selected for their academic performance, leadership skills within their chapter, and interest in developing a career in the mechanical industry.

ATP Inspiring Future Leaders Scholarship
Adam Kuschewski of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship provided by ATP Learning Solutions.  The scholarship was established to recognize, support and inspire students in the mechanical industry.

Robert J. Durr, Sr. – UA/NCPWB Partnering Scholarship
Kavan Limbasiya of Pittsburg State University received a $2,500 scholarship check in honor of Robert J. Durr, Sr., former chairman of the National Certified Pipe Wilding Bureau (NCPWB) Board of Trustees.  Robert’s effort and dedication in creating a partnership between the United Association and the NCPWB resulted in the formation of the Joint Welder Testing Program.  The scholarship is in its second year and is sponsored by the NCPWB.

Ann Mattheis Memorial Scholarship
Tabitha Watson of Pittsburg State University was awarded a $2,500 scholarship in memory of former MCAA Director of Career Development, Ann Mattheis.  Ann’s dedication and contributions to building the GreatFutures program left an enduring legacy for multiple decades of students and for the overall members of MCAA. 

Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship
Carter Bennett from Ferris State University and Irvin Quintana from the University of Nebraska each received a $2,500 scholarship check in memory of Alan P. O’Shea.  The scholarship is sponsored by the MCA of New Jersey.

Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarship
Daniel Kellen of Iowa State University and Yulien Liz of Fairleigh Dickinson University each received a $5,000 scholarship in memory of Robert “Bob” Armistead.  In honor of Bob’s service as MCAA President, the selected winners are required to have served as their local student student chapter President.  These new scholarships were established by Armistead Mechanical, Inc. and the family of Robert T. Armistead.

William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Lauryn Gilgallon of Ferris State University received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of a former President of the foundation and MCAA Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient, William A. “Bill” Bianco, Jr.  The scholarship is sponsored by Kinetics.

The Bolton Family Scholarship
Drew Figura from the University of Nebraska was awarded a $5,000 scholarship to honor the significant contributions the Boltons have provided to the construction industry.  This new scholarship honors the family’s dedicated volunteer work within the communities they serve 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 improvement 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.

Donald V. Brown Memorial Scholarship
Shelby Gustafson from California State University Chico is the first recipient of a new $5,000 scholarship sponsored by D.V. Brown and Associates, Inc., in memory of its founder, Donald V. Brown, Senior. D.V. Brown & Associates, Inc. is a charter member of the MCAA.

DEWALT Patriot Scholarship
The DEWALT Patriot Scholarship, now in its third year, was created to recognize two veterans of the United States military who have valiantly served their country and have chosen to enter a career related to mechanical contracting.  Thank you to DEWALT for honoring our military and to our scholarship recipients for their service.  Jaden Doebelin of Iowa State University (Iowa Army National Guard – Sergeant E-5 Military Occupational Special, Indirect Infantryman 11C) and Jeff Woodard of the University of Nebraska (United States Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class – Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist at 2nd Marine Division) each received a $5,000 scholarship.   

FERGUSON – Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship
Gina Carnovale of Kent State University and Kyla Magee of the University of Nebraska each received a $5,000 scholarship, sponsored by Ferguson, to recognize high-achieving female students working towards a degree relative to the mechanical industry.  The two students will also be invited to attend the WiMI Conference in Cleveland, OH this June.

Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Brady Thompson from the University of Nebraska received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of the founder of our foundation, Foster McCarl, Jr.   McCarl’s Inc. is the scholarship sponsor.

Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship
Aidan Wolownik of Pittsburg State University received a scholarship check for $5,000 in honor of Wayne, Emmett and Patrick Reilly.  The John W. Danforth Company sponsors the scholarship.

Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship
Daniel DeSoto of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo received a $5,000 scholarship check that recognizes his interest in a career as an estimator within the mechanical contracting industry.  Trimble is the sponsor of the scholarship and has donated complimentary use of the Trimble Estimation MEP software for our Student Chapter Competition teams for the past few years.

Viega Scholarship
Griffin Souder of Pittsburg State University was the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Viega.  Viega has graciously sponsored student chapter activities at the MCAA Convention for many years.  The Viega scholarship is now in its 2nd year.

Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship
Madison Deck of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville received a $5,000 scholarship check in honor of retired MCA/MSCA of Cleveland Executive Director, Thomas J. Wanner.  This scholarship is in its third year and is sponsored by MCA/MSCA of Cleveland.

Educator of the Year

Joe Karpinski, faculty advisor for the Kent State University student chapter, was recognized as the 2023-2024 Educator of the Year.  He was selected for this honor based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, participation in chapter activities, and involvement in the creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through the MCA/MSCA of Cleveland, Inc.  In addition to a trophy, he received a $5,000 award.

Student Chapter of the Year 

The University of Maryland, College Park was selected as the 2023-2024 Student Chapter of the Year.  Their faculty advisor is Fitzgerald Walker and the chapter is sponsored by the MCA of Metropolitan Washington, Inc. The Career Development Committee chose the winner based on a rubric that evaluates industry-specific educational opportunities, fundraising and community service efforts, recruitment tactics, and most importantly, mechanical contracting interest and the ways in which the chapter assists in connecting students with MCAA members either locally or nationally.  The University of Maryland, College Park received a trophy and a $3,000 award. 

MCAA Student Chapter Competition

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo won the top prize of $10,000 and a trophy for their outstanding work on this year’s Student Chapter Competition project, which involved submitting a proposal as the prime mechanical contractor for the Kansas City Zoo Aquarium.  This included all piping, HVAC, controls, and additional work required from the bid documents.

MCAA thanks MMC Contractors National, Inc. for supplying the project and our project partners at Procore, Trimble and Ferguson for supplying real-life learning resources to the student participants.

The University of Wisconsin-Stout was the runner-up, placing second and receiving a trophy and check for $5,000. 

Ball State University and McMaster University rounded out the final four. Each of these Honorable Mention finalists received trophies and $2,500.

Six additional teams that just missed the final four were recognized with Merit Trophies and checks for $1,000. They are, in alphabetical order: 

  • California State University, Chico
  • Kansas State University
  • Kent State University
  • Missouri State University
  • Pittsburg State University
  • University of Maryland, College Park

Most Valuable Presenter
The Career Development Committee recognized a student who did the best job presenting their proposal, whether or not their team won.  The audience members voted via a polling link between Final Four presentations and ultimately Hans Stelpflug of the University of Wisconsin-Stout was awarded a trophy, a $500 gift card, a complimentary seat in MCAA’s Preparatory Institute for Project Management (Pre-IPM), and the title of 2023-2024 Most Valuable Presenter. 

Congratulations to all MCAA24 award winners and scholarship recipients!

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

2023 Internship Grants – Last Call: Submit by January 31, 2024

All 2023 internship grant applications must be submitted by January 31, 2024. Part 1 internship grant applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2+ interns. Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit a Part 2 internship grant for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. Keep in mind, the more interns you submit for Part 1, the more you’ll have eligible for Part 2 once they graduate. We want to hear about ALL of your interns, not just 2!

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

MCAA Student Chapter Competition – Final Four Named

Twenty-four MCAA Student Chapters submitted a proposal for the Kansas City Zoo Aquarium project.  Congratulations to the Final Four and Merit Award teams.  Final Four teams will present their proposals on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 19th at MCAA24 in Orlando, FL.

This is the 23rd year of the MCAA Student Chapter Competition and the student teams were asked to submit a proposal as the prime mechanical contractor for the Kansas City Zoo Aquarium.  This included all piping, HVAC, Controls, and additional work required from the bid documents.  Teams were also tasked with purchasing the equipment, materials and providing all the necessary labor and equipment to complete the entire project scope. 

Thank you to the following companies for their special contributions to the competition project:
MMC Contractors National Inc. (supplying the project)
Procore (use of their Project Management software)
Trimble (use of Trimble Estimation MEP software)
Ferguson (providing pricing for pipe valves and fittings)

For a second year, Trimble will be providing a $5,000 scholarship to one competition Final Four participant who has expressed interest in a career as an estimator within the mechanical contracting industry.  This scholarship will be presented at the Awards of Excellence Breakfast on Wednesday, March 20th. 

MCAA 2026 GreatFutures Forum

This annual conference is designed to connect future professionals with MCAA members and future internship and full-time employment opportunities. The Forum will give MCAA Student Chapter members the opportunity to safely network with industry leaders and learn about the ongoing changes in the field and the advantages of working in mechanical contracting.

2023 Internship Grants – Last Call: Submit by January 31, 2024

All 2023 internship grant applications must be submitted by January 31, 2024. Part 1 internship grant applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2+ interns. Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit a Part 2 internship grant for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. Keep in mind, the more interns you submit for Part 1, the more you’ll have eligible for Part 2 once they graduate. We want to hear about ALL of your interns, not just 2!

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

2023 is Coming to a Close – Submit Your Internship Grants

All 2023 internship grant applications must be submitted by January 31, 2024. Part 1 internship grant applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2+ interns. Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit a Part 2 internship grant for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. Keep in mind, the more interns you submit for Part 1, the more you’ll have eligible for Part 2 once they graduate. We want to hear about ALL of your interns, not just 2!

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

New MCAA Student Chapter – Riverside City College

MCAA welcomed its newest student chapter by granting a charter to Riverside City College during the MSCA23 Opening General Session on October 23rd on Marco Island, Florida.  

Sponsoring Local Affiliate:  ARCA/MCA
• Cheryl James, Executive Director

Faculty Advisor:
Kfir Mendelovitz

Check Finding an Intern off your November Checklist

Connect with Students at MCAA24

Registration for MCAA24 in Orlando is in full swing and MCAA student chapter members are already making their plans to participate in the Job Fair during the Manufacturer / Supplier Council Exhibit on Tuesday, March 19th.  New this year, students and potential employers will also be encouraged to network throughout the week at the Connection Corner during convention downtime. Why wait until March to secure your interns? Start the conversation now and post on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board for upcoming Summer 2024 internships and entry-level positions geared towards our graduating seniors.  

Post on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board

  • 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

Submit a 2023 Internship Grant

Already have an intern?  Don’t forget to submit your Intern Grants for 2023!  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

MCAA Student Chapter Service Project – Growing the Story of our Future Workforce

Each student chapter in attendance at the 2023 MCAA GreatFutures Forum in Milwaukee this past September walked away with a children’s storybook and a mission to share the construction trades with elementary school children in their local community. 

The book, Grit Leads to Greatness, follows 2 siblings on a journey through a dystopian society where everything around them is literally crumbling since the ‘trades’ have been forgotten.  The siblings meet various characters along the way who use their unique construction skills to save the day and rebuild their world.  

Featured Characters:

Copper the Amphibious Plumber
The Electrician Magician
Rowan the Snome Carpenter
Mason the Mason
Arc the Welder

This project addresses a frequently requested topic from our student chapters on how to participate or start something in their communities as an act of service.  Likewise, it also encourages the idea of construction as a career path to not only the students being read to, but also strengthens and builds a deeper and more passionate connection for the college students who are reading the book. 

Thank you to Procore for sponsoring the books and taking the steps to grow the story of our future workforce!  

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.

MCAA 2023 GreatFutures Forum Recap – Milwaukee, WI

Special thank you to our 2023 MCAA GreatFutures Forum sponsors, speakers, and especially our attendees.  Check out the recap video of students exploring the “Different Paths to Mechanical” and be sure to save the date for GFF24 – Seattle (September 26-28, 2024)!

SPONSORS

TOUR HOST

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

MCAA Student Chapters
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
mcaagreatfutures Instagram

* New jobs highlighted every 2 weeks. 

Purdue University to Launch Trimble Technology Lab with Focus on Construction Management Technology

Purdue University and Trimble are establishing a state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Lab at Purdue focused on teaching and research for construction management technology. Purdue is home to an MCAA student chapter hosted by the MCA of Indiana, Inc. Trimble is an MCAA member.

The lab is hosted by the School of Construction Management Technology within the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and will bring Trimble’s industry-leading construction technologies into a dedicated learning environment for Purdue students to learn and innovate.
 
“The equipment and software provided will enhance our educational and research capabilities in construction management and technology,” said Daniel Castro-Lacouture, dean of the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. “Partnering with Trimble to establish a Technology Lab signifies an exciting opportunity that empowers our students and faculty to drive industry advancements.”
 
The lab is expected to open in early 2024 and will be part of the institute’s evolving footprint at Dudley and Lambertus Halls. The connected buildings, which opened in April 2023, house a mix of polytechnic and engineering labs, makerspaces and classrooms with the goal of fostering an atmosphere of collaboration among students from different majors and departments.
 
“The Trimble Technology Lab will empower Purdue students with the skills and expertise required to become front-runners in the realm of industry technology,” said H. Nicholas Dib, associate professor in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute who will help oversee the lab. “The lab will support the holistic transformation of education, where technology lies at the very heart of the curriculum.”
 
“Purdue has a strong reputation as a leader in applied construction education. Their construction management program offers an innovative curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and prepares students for a variety of construction careers,” said Amy Northcutt, director of education and outreach at Trimble. “We are confident that our collaboration with Purdue to establish this Trimble Technology Lab will have a significant impact in preparing students for their careers.”
 
The lab will include a broad range of Trimble’s industry-leading geospatial and construction solutions such as the Trimble® XR10 HoloLens hardhat and advanced software solutions including RealWorks® scanning software, Trimble Business Center Infrastructure Construction edition, Tekla® Structures, Tekla Structural Designer, Trimble Connect® AR interactive collaboration software, AccuBid and AutoBid, and the company’s popular 3D modeling solution, SketchUp.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities (Times Higher Education/Wall Street Journal and QS), with two colleges in the top 4 in the United States (U.S. News & World Report), Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 12 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Innovates, at https://stories.purdue.edu.

About Trimble

Dedicated to the world’s tomorrow, Trimble is a technology company delivering solutions that enable our customers to work in new ways to measure, build, grow and move goods for a better quality of life. Core technologies in positioning, modeling, connectivity and data analytics connect the digital and physical worlds to improve productivity, quality, safety, transparency and sustainability. From purpose-built products and enterprise lifecycle solutions to industry cloud services, Trimble is transforming critical industries such as construction, geospatial, agriculture and transportation to power an interconnected world of work. For more information about Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB), visit:  www.trimble.com.

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)
APPLY TODAY

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.  

CHAPTER OF THE YEAR / EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

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