Workplace head injuries remain a significant concern in the construction industry. To address this, the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), ELECTRI International, the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) have partnered with the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab on a study to improve industrial helmet safety. The success of this research depends on industry participation to provide real-world data on workplace head injuries for use in developing test protocols. Help advance helmet technology, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, and make a lasting impact on worker safety. Take the survey today!

Welcome to Inside MCAA, The Blueprint to Mechanical Contracting, the podcast dedicated to unveiling the strategies and resources that power success within the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Hosted by renowned Customer Experience Coach and NEI Instructor Frank Favaro, each episode dives deep into the wealth of educational tools, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that define MCAA.

The same project management team that deals with day-to-day jobsite problems will also necessarily be the first to react to a crisis. MCAA’s Mechanical Contractor’s Guide to Crisis Management will help your company develop or fine-tune its crisis management plan. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Internship Grant program has been upgraded for 2025 to offer a new level of support for the multiple entities involved with developing the future talent of our industry. As a result, the 2024 Part 1 “Legacy” Grants offered to employers will be discontinued on January 31, 2025. Don’t miss out on your company’s final chance to submit your interns from calendar year 2024!

Congratulations are in order for the newest graduates of MCAA’s Advanced Institute for Project Management! Forty exceptional individuals braved the unexpectedly freezing temperatures in Austin, TX, for a week of intensive collaboration and occasional good-natured competition with peers from across the continent.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) entitled Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity. The new EO rescinds President Lyndon Johnson’s 1965 EO 11246, which authorized the affirmative action obligations federal contractors have complied with for almost 60 years.

New year, new lineup of MSCA classes! MSCA provides focused training programs for your operational personnel. This collection of programs, unlike any other, provides the continued training to set your employees apart in the HVACR industry.

MCAA’s Safety Statistics & Awards program rewards MCAA members’ safety performance, because safety is your top priority. All applicants receive a valuable benchmarking report that will allow them to compare their own 2024 incidence rates with the aggregate rates of the other participating MCAA companies overall, those in the same size category, and with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics incidence rates. Those who qualify also receive a certificate of commendation. Apply today! Applications are due by close of business on March 13, 2025.

On October 2, MCAA began a nationwide survey of select MCAA firms regarding current customs and best practices to account for and mitigate BIM-related risks. This topic is crucial and urgent for our industry, and MCAA is proud to take a leadership role to benefit our members and the industry as a whole. The survey was sent to randomly selected MCAA members by the researchers to increase statistical validity and reduce costs and time associated with sampling the entire MCAA membership. In order to gather more information, we are now sending the survey to our entire membership. Participating in an industry-wide survey is more than just ticking boxes; it’s your chance to shape the future of our industry. By taking a few moments to complete this survey, you’re not just contributing data—you’re making a difference. Let’s take this step together to build a better tomorrow for our industry!

The National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) has released a new Technical Bulletin highlighting when to use E6010 welding electrodes, and when their use should be limited. While E6010 electrodes make it easier to make a good root pass, they introduce hydrogen into the weld creating a risk of cracking. The bulletin explains how best to mitigate this issue so that every weld is a quality weld.

Registration is now open for MCAA’s May Field Leaders Conference, being held Monday, May 12 – Wednesday, May 14 at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf. In two and a half days, your field leaders will hear from inspiring industry speakers and participate in powerful collaboration, leaving them inspired and re-energized. Don’t miss this opportunity to register your field leaders today.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.