Backend Category: Career Development Initiative

Register by Friday, September 2nd, for MCAA’s 2022 GreatFutures Forum to Get a Head Start on Hiring Your 2023 Interns and New Hires

September 29 – October 1, 2022 | Boston, MA

The fall is the best time to hire for both summer internships and full-time employment. Join us at the MCAA GreatFutures Forum, September 29 – October 1, at the Boston Marriott Newton. We’re getting back to the basics this year and focusing on all the things that make mechanical contracting such an exciting career choice.
Don’t miss your chance to meet your next great hire!

Registration deadline: Friday, September 2nd

Register Now

MCAA’s Michele Hoffman Receives NAWIC Education Foundation’s Carol A. Kueker Construction Education Visionary Award

MCAA congratulates our very own Michele Hoffman on her selection as the recipient of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Education Foundation’s Carol A. Kueker Construction Education Visionary Award. The annual award recognizes an individual who has worked aggressively to promote construction as a viable career path, and Michele certainly fits the bill. MCAA CEO Tim Brink said, “Michele’s accomplishments are the result of years of hard work and dedication. I’m proud to have her as a member of the MCAA team.”

Since becoming MCAA’s Director, Career Development in January 2022, Michele developed the student programming for the MCAA Annual Convention in March. She is currently putting the final touches on the GreatFutures Forum, which will take place September 29 – October 1 in Boston.  This student-focused conference will include a reimagined non-traditional job fair that removes company booths and will focus on finding internship and full-time employment matches in a relaxed environment.  During the last seven months, Michele says her primary focus has been to “connect the dots” from student to contractor, student to local affiliated association, student to MCAA, and most recently peer-to-peer after graduation through the new MCAA GreatFutures Alumni group. 

Before joining MCAA, Michele spent 13 years at MCA-Omaha, where 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 also worked with their local board and committees, as well as in event management and communications roles. Appropriately enough, it was Karli Meisinger, one of Michele’s former MCA-Omaha Members and one of the Founding Four contractors involved with the rebranding of the Nebraska student chapter, who nominated her for the NAWIC award.

Michele, who has been a member of MCAA’s Career Development Committee since 2018, received the award during an August 19, 2022, gala on the final day of the NAWIC Annual Conference in Minneapolis. “I’m unbelievably honored to receive this award, an award that’s rooted in celebrating passion for education in construction and from an organization as outstanding as NAWIC,” she said.

So, what happened to Michele’s role at MCA-Omaha? Naturally, it was filled by University of Nebraska Student Chapter alumna, Ali Brown. Now that’s taking career development full circle!

Join us at MCAA’s 2022 GreatFutures Forum and Get a Head Start on Hiring Your 2023 Interns and New Hires

Join us September 29-October 1 at the Boston Marriott Newton for MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum! We’re getting back to the basics this year and focusing on all the things that make mechanical contracting such an exciting career choice. What is mechanical contracting anyway?

Registration is complimentary for all students, faculty, local affiliates, and MCAA members! We want to see a ton of new contractor faces at GFF22, and especially at our reimagined job fair. The fall is the best time to hire for both summer internships and full-time employment and MCAA can’t wait to see the employment connections materialize throughout the conference.  

REGISTER NOW

Hiring an Intern for the Summer? Apply for an Internship Grant.

Having interns working at MCAA member companies is a win-win for the mechanical contracting industry.  Employers get top talent and build a pipeline for future employees. Students gain experience, create connections, develop skills and further their interest in mechanical contracting. Internship grants funded by the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) reward both the hiring company and the student.

Each MCAA member company may submit up to two internship grant applications per year.  Once the grant application is reviewed and accepted, MCAA will mail both a $500 student gift card and a $1,000 check to the company. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  

Learn More & Apply

Beyond the Classroom Series

The MCAA Beyond the Classroom videos showcase how MCAA student chapter members and MCAA members alike are benefiting from the MCAA Career Development program. This video series shares the opportunities and careers available to students in the mechanical industry. See all our Beyond the Classroom videos below and learn more today!

  1. Working for a M/S
  2. Shaping a Career
  3. A Pathway to the Industry
  4. Let’s Get Down to Business
  5. Finding Longevity in Your Career
  6. Real-World Experience Matters
  7. Opportunities in the Mechanical Contracting Industry
  8. The Power of Networking
  9. The Benefit of Connecting with Industry Professionals
  10. Following Your Interests to First-Hand Experience
  11. Taking The First Step Into the Unknown
  12. Showing Interest in the Industry
  13. Participation–The Key to Growth
  14. The Endless Opportunities of Mechanical Contracting

2021-2022 Educator of the Year – Jacob Nelson, Missouri State University

The student chapter at Missouri State University proudly nominated Jacob Nelson for the MCAA 2021 Educator of the Year based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, chapter activity participation, and involvement and creation of student-focused networking opportunities with their local MCAA Chapter, MCA of Greater Springfield, Missouri.

Chapter Participation

Jacob Nelson constantly encourages participation from their chapter’s student membership. He always attends meetings himself, makes time for all of the members, and directs the students down a path that leads to success. Student Chapter President, Nathan Bextermueller, recalls, “There was one meeting he had to miss for one reason or another, but he still was able to make himself available through a virtual meeting for any questions we had for him.”

Membership

Jacob Nelson teaches multiple mechanical construction classes at Missouri State University. He assists the chapter by identifying students on campus that he believes have a high potential to make an impact within their organization. He’s always open to communicating with students about the benefits of the organization. His connection with students is an essential part of their successful recruitment strategy.

Mentoring

Jacob is able to connect the chapter to contractors in a variety of ways. There have been multiple instances he has utilized video calls and in-person meetings this past year to make those connections. Nathan also mentions, “When we have a question or have a desire to learn something, he always knows a professional who he can connect us to for help. More times than not, we will be connected to a local mechanical contractor to give us real world solutions when the option is available.”

Thank you to Jacob Nelson for serving as an advisor, educator, and mentor to students interested in pursing a career in mechanical contracting!

2021-2022 Student Chapter of the Year Winner – University of Maryland, College Park

At the MCAA22 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 16th, The University of Maryland, College Park was awarded the 2021 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
• Tom Bello – Executive Vice President
• Anna Trapane – Marketing & Outreach Coordinator & Industry Advisor
• Randall Chenworth Director of Education

Industry Advisor: Jake Medina – Poole and Kent Corporation

Faculty Advisor: Fitzgerald Walker – University of Maryland, College Park

Career Development – Local and National MCAA Events

This past year the chapter participated in the MCA Metropolitan Washington Golf Tournament Fundraiser. The students were responsible for assisting with tournament responsibilities throughout the day and then were invited to network with contracting professionals during the awards banquet at the conclusion of the event.

Chapter members were also invited to attend a Summer Appreciation Event that included students, industry professionals, and the MCAMW Board of Directors. The event was a celebration of UMD’s 2019-2020 MCAA Student Chapter Competition Final Four placement and 2020-2021 6th place finish. Previous in-person events were extremely limited and this was the first opportunity for the association to celebrate the hard work of the students and likewise show appreciation to their supporting contractors.

This past fall the chapter also participated in a football tailgate hosted by UMD. This was utilized as a networking event for the students to connect with contractors in a fun and relaxed environment. The team at MCAMW works closely with the chapter leadership to ensure the events are welcoming and comfortable for all of the student attendees.

On the national front, students attended the 2021 MCAA Virtual Education Conference, the 2021 MEP Innovation Conference, and the 2021 GreatFutures Forum.

Recruitment

To attract new members, the chapter officers attended multiple events to raise awareness about the chapter and opportunities within the mechanical industry. The chapter was able to double their number of chapter members. The UMD chapter helped other students understand the importance of having a group of peers to support one another, as well as the benefits of networking with industry professionals during a highly virtual world.

Community Service

Unfortunately, the chapter was unable to participate in their typical community service projects due to event cancellations (Heat’s On – Water’s Off Project and Rebuilding Together Day). The chapter plans on resuming their participation in 2022.

Site Visits

The chapter participates in an annual field trip to W.E. Bowers, which also includes viewing their sheet metal, copper, and steel shops. This trip always serves as an opportunity for the students to see pre-fabrication at its finest. The tour allows multiple opportunities for students to ask questions about different facets during the fabrication process. Additionally, students are exposed to multiple elements in the industry such as coordination, fabrication, project management, safety, and quality control.

Internships & Employment with Mechanical Contractors

This past year, four students interned with MCAA Companies:
• Hailey Brennan – Boland Trane Services, Inc.
• Amaya Caggino – Poole & Kent Company
• Alex Rubin – HAVTECH
• Delaney May – HAVTECH

Additionally, two students accepted full-time jobs with MCAA Companies:
• Talha Dasti – Kent Island Mechanical
• Ryan Brewer – Limbach Company LLC

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

2021-2022 MCAA Student Chapter Competition Results

At the MCAA22 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 16th, McMaster University was awarded the top prize of $10,000 and a trophy for their outstanding work on the 2021-2022 Student Chapter Competition.

Missouri State University was the runner-up, placing second and received a trophy and check for $5,000.

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

Six teams (out of the 23 chapter submissions) were recognized with Merit Trophies and checks for $1,000. They are, in alphabetical order:

· Ball State University
· Binghamton University
· Fairleigh Dickinson University
· Milwaukee School of Engineering
· Pittsburg State University
· University of Nebraska

The 2021-2022 project was to create a proposal for the Lake Placid Olympic Center Revitalization. This included removing the existing refrigeration equipment, related equipment and materials, controls, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and related systems inside the existing refrigeration room and the removal of the exterior cooling tower. Upon completion, the new refrigeration system was to feed three existing indoor ice rinks, and a new outdoor oval rink.

Fun Fact: This is the same building from the 1980 Miracle on Ice game!

Thank you to the following companies for their special contributions to the project:

• Mollenberg-Betz, Inc of Buffalo, New York (supplying the project)
• Procore (use of their Project Management software)
• Trimble (use of Trimble Estimation MEP software)
• Ferguson (providing pricing for pipe values and fittings)

MCAA Career Development Committee Member – Judges:

• Vincent Eckerson, Arista Air Conditioning Corporation
• Scott Hinton, Harrell-Fish, Inc.
• Ted McHugh, West Chester Mechanical Contractors
• Matthew Miller, Binsky & Snyder
• Michael Russo, Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corporation
• John Ziemann, Mollenberg-Betz, Inc.

Thank you as well to the Chair of the Career Development Committee, Andrew Palcan, Helm Group, for serving as the emcee for the live competition in San Diego!

The MCAA Career Development Committee is currently hard at work planning for the 2022-2023 project. The next project will be announced this fall and a Q&A session is already on the schedule for the GreatFutures Forum in Boston (September 29 – October 1). See you there!

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 live between schools and ultimately Leisha Fernando of McMaster University was awarded a trophy, a $500 gift card and the title of 2021-2022 Most Valuable Presenter.

Congratulations to our MCAA22 Scholarship Recipients and Award Winners

JRGF Scholarships 

Mark Rogers, President of the John R. Gentille Foundation, announced the recipients of the following scholarships at the Awards of Excellence Breakfast at MCAA22.  He noted that the students receiving scholarships were selected for their academic performance, leadership skills, interest in developing a career in the mechanical industry, work ethic, and technical abilities. 

Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship 

Albert Pantoja of Cypress College and Brodee Paul of the University of Nebraska each received a $2,500 scholarship check in honor of Alan P. O’Shea.  The scholarship is sponsored by MCA of New Jersey.

Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship 

Alayna Trautman of Alfred State College received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of Foster McCarl, Jr., without whose vision there would be no foundation. McCarl’s Inc. is the scholarship sponsor. 

Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship

Joani Lico of Fairleigh Dickinson University received a scholarship check for $5,000 in honor of the Reilly family, honoring Wayne Reilly, Emmitt Reilly and Patrick Reilly.  John W. Danforth Company is the scholarship’s sponsor. 

William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship 

Luke Bennett of the University of Nebraska received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of the foundation’s former President and MCAA Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient William A. “Bill” Bianco, Jr. The scholarship is sponsored by Kinetics.

Josam Endowed Scholarship

Hailey Brennan of the University of Maryland, College Park received a $2,500 scholarship underwritten by the Josam Company. This annual scholarship is awarded to the recipient during their sophomore, junior and senior years, provided all qualifications continue to be met.  2021-2022 is Hailey’s 3rd and final year to receive the Josam Endowed scholarship.

FERGUSON – Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship

Sabrina Pavlova of Missouri State University and Emily Woodsmall 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.

Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship

Amaya Caggino of the University of Maryland, College Park received a $5,000 scholarship check in honor of the recently retired MCA/MSCA of Cleveland Executive Director, Thomas J. Wanner.  This is a new scholarship for 2021/2022 that is sponsored by MCA/MSCA of Cleveland. 

DeWalt – Patriot Scholarship

Also new this year is the DeWalt Patriot Scholarship, designed 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.  Abbie Raudabaugh of Indiana State University (Veteran of the United States Army, Military Police) and Nathaniel Golus of Iowa State University (United States Navy Seabee Veteran) each received a $5,000 scholarship.   

New Student Chapter Chartered

MCAA welcomed its newest student chapter by granting a charter to SUNY Buffalo State College.  The new chapter is sponsored by Western New York Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors.

Educator of the Year 

Jacob Nelson of Missouri State University was recognized as the Educator of the Year based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, chapter activity participation, and involvement and creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through their local MCAA chapter.  In addition to a trophy, he received a check for $5,000. 

Student Chapter of the Year 

The University of Maryland, College Park was selected as the 2021-2022 Student Chapter of the Year. The Career Development Committee chose the winner after evaluating how well the chapter promotes an understanding of the mechanical industry and the career opportunities we offer. They received a check for $3,000. 

MCAA Student Chapter Competition 

McMaster University won the top prize of $10,000 and a trophy for their outstanding work on this year’s Student Chapter Competition project, the Lake Placid Olympic Center Revitalization. (MCAA would like to extend a special thank you to Mollenberg-Betz, Inc., Buffalo, New York for providing the project this year.)

Missouri State was the runner-up, placing second and receiving a trophy and check for $5,000. 

Kansas State and Kent State 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: 

  • Ball State University
  • Binghamton University
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Milwaukee School of Engineering
  • Pittsburg State University
  • University of Nebraska

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 live between schools and ultimately Leisha Fernando of McMaster University was awarded a trophy, a $500 gift card and the title of 2021-2022 Most Valuable Presenter. 

MCAA 2025 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.

Ali Brown Has Joined the MCA-Omaha Staff

Ali Brown has joined the staff at MCA-Omaha as the Associate Executive. She replaces Michele Hoffman, who is now MCAA’s Director, Career Development. Ali’s background made her a good fit for the role. She explains, “I am no stranger to MCA-Omaha; I was a part of our student chapter throughout my time in college.” MCA-Omaha Executive Vice President Kelsey Johnson said, “I am so excited to have Ali fill the role of Associate Executive at MCA-Omaha. It was an amazing opportunity to “go full circle” with a member of our student chapter. Ali has the first-hand knowledge and expertise from being a long-time and active member, and she will no doubt bring new and creative ideas to the already successful program.”

Ali expanded on her student chapter experiences, saying, “I worked with our contractors on different committees for local events and through our mentor program as well as spending some time with two of our contractors as an intern and in a full-time position.” She added, “I am incredibly excited to take on this role and continue working with our contractors in the Omaha area!”

MCAA’s Final Four Student Chapters Will Compete at MCAA22 in San Diego for First Place and a $10,000 Prize

Twenty three MCAA Student Chapters submitted a proposal for the Lake Placid Olympic Center Revitalization project. We would like to congratulate the Final Four and Certificate of Merit teams. Don’t miss out on seeing the Final Four compete during the Student Chapter Competition on Monday afternoon at MCAA22!

Students were asked to provide a project proposal to remove the existing R-22/R407F refrigeration system including all refrigeration equipment, related equipment and materials, controls, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and related systems inside the existing refrigeration room and the removal of the exterior cooling tower.  Construction of the new R-513 indirect 1375-ton refrigeration system inside the existing refrigeration room, and new exterior cooling tower.  Work includes demolition, excavation, concrete, refrigeration, equipment, pumps, piping, insulation, refrigerant, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, controls, motor control center, and building modifications.  

When the project is completed, the new refrigeration system will feed the three existing indoor ice rinks and the new outdoor oval rink (existing oval rink is being replaced under a different contract).  This is the same building where USA beat the Russia in the 1980 Miracle on Ice game. 

23 Submissions Received for MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition

Congratulations to all who worked tirelessly on MCAA’s 2021-2022 Student Chapter Competition. Twenty-three of our student chapters submitted proposals for this year’s competition. Results will be announced in January. And of course, MCAA’s Annual Student Chapter Competition would not have been possible without the support of our competition partners. Thank you Procore, Trimble, and Ferguson for supporting MCAA’s 2021-2022 Student Chapter Competition.

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.

MCAA’s Megan Walsh Among “20 in Their Twenties”

MCAA congratulates our very own Megan Walsh, CMP, DES, on her selection to the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) “20 in Their Twenties” class of 2022. This award identifies and brings together the brightest and most talented young event management professionals from around the world.

Since joining the MCAA team in 2017, Megan has proven she is knowledgeable and skilled in event management, capable of communicating in a calm demeanor no matter the situation, and a loyal team member who contributes for the betterment of the association, overall demonstrating incredible leadership qualities. Megan is currently MCAA’s Director, Conference Services & Career Development.

Megan and fellow members of the 2022 Class will be recognized as the next generation of industry leaders at PCMA’s Convening Leaders Conference in Las Vegas at the start of the new year.

Take a Look Back at MCAA’s 2021 GreatFutures Forum

Thank you to everyone who attended MCAA’s 2021 GreatFutures Forum. We enjoyed inspiring speakers, a bustling Job Fair, an outstanding tour of SLOAN park, a very insightful presentation about the Best Practices for MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition, and being together at last. You can relive the memories below!

We look forward to seeing all of you in San Diego March 13-17, 2022 for MCAA’s Annual Convention. Please reach out to Megan Walsh at mwalsh@mcaa.org with any questions!

If you have any questions about the Student Chapter Competition, you can find resources by clicking the button below.

Student Chapter Competition Resources