Congratulations to Drew Figura, recipient of the inaugural Geiling Family Scholarship.

The Geiling Family Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the plumbing and mechanical trades, helping to develop the next generation of industry leaders. The scholarship empowers recipients to focus on building skills and advancing their knowledge. This $5,000 scholarship represents a commitment to investing in the future of the plumbing and mechanical contracting community.

“What appeals to me about mechanical construction is working on one scope within the entire project. The mechanical scope is intricate, and many systems vary from project to project. There are so many components to mechanical construction that make every day interesting.

Likewise, I have gained so much throughout the last three years being involved with MCAA. I have made multiple connections within the construction industry through student chapter events held throughout the year. MCAA has provided me with experience through my current internship, which has provided me with a full-time job upon graduation. I hope to stay involved in MCAA by becoming a mentor for the student chapter after I gain more experience within the industry.”

Read more about Drew at mcaa.org. ...

On Labor Day, we honor the hard work, dedication, and contributions of workers who help drive our nation’s strength and prosperity. ...

MCAA Mechanical Education Basics Guide:
New Hires and Office Staff - This One’s for You!

The MCAA Career Development Committee is proud to roll out a new three-part Mechanical Education Basics Guide. This collection of resources was gathered as a starting place for our MCAA Student Chapter Members, but is a smart place to start for any intern, new hire or staff member new to the mechanical contracting industry.

Learn more about this resource and find out how else to connect with MCAA`s Career Development Initiative and the John R. Gentille Foundation that funds much of its work. Don`t miss out on these valuable resources—check them out now! >> Find them at mcaa.org. ...

Congratulations to Kyla Magee, recipient of the Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

This national scholarship honors Foster McCarl, Jr.’s many contributions to advancing the mechanical contracting industry, including his efforts towards establishing what is now known as the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF). The scholarship is sponsored by the McCarl family. It was presented at MCAA25 during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast.

“I’ve gained so much since joining my local MCA student chapter my freshman year. It’s still hard for me to believe that all my hard work and engagement with MCA-Omaha has paid off already in my career. I started out as a very shy freshman with no real knowledge of construction, and I’ve become a confident senior who knows that mechanical contracting is the place for me.

I’ve learned what it means to be a leader through my roles as President, Wine Tasting Fundraising Chair/Vice President, and Community Service Chair. I’ve had the opportunity to travel the country and hear both similar and unique experiences from every person I’ve met at MCAA events. I’ve learned professionalism and networking throughout my internship experiences and local MCA-Omaha events. And last but not least, I’ve grown up so much during my years in the student chapter. I’ve really learned how a strong network and community is so important for growth and development in not only my career, but my life as well."

Read more about Kyla at mcaa.org ...

The MCAA Career Development Committee is proud to roll out a new three-part Mechanical Education Basics Guide. The primary guide, Top 10 Resources for the Classroom, was designed with our student chapter members/interns in mind, but new hires and office staff should browse the Supplement for a version tailored just for them in a condensed format with all the MCAA ‘best of the best’ and ‘need to know’ resources in a two-page document.

Learn more about this resource and find out how else to connect with MCAA`s Career Development Initiative and the John R. Gentille Foundation that funds much of its work. Don`t miss out on these valuable resources—check them out now at mcaa.org! ...

Congratulations to Parker Jenkins, recipient of the Viega Scholarship.

To receive the scholarship, a student must be an active participant of an MCAA Student Chapter who is a junior or senior, majoring in a construction program, with a 3.5 GPA or higher. Further, the student must have participated in MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition, and most importantly, be committed to a career in mechanical contracting, demonstrated through a current or upcoming internship. Parker checked all the boxes and was awarded a $5,000 check at MCAA25 in Austin, TX during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast.

"The collaborative nature of mechanical construction is highly appealing. Working alongside engineers, general contractors, union skilled tradespeople, and vendors offers a diverse team environment where different perspectives come together to achieve common goals. I also enjoy the process of problem-solving and the constant learning. Moreover, knowing that my work contributes to creating safe, comfortable, and efficient spaces for people makes mechanical construction particularly fulfilling. The impact of this work on daily lives and communities is something that motivates me to excel in this field.

I plan to stay actively involved with our chapter by participating in local events and continuing to engage with the MCAA network. I hope to contribute to the organization by mentoring current students at Pitt State or through the Young Professionals Committee at MCA KC [MCA of Kansas City]. Once I have become solidified within the mechanical industry, I have a sincere interest in joining the MCAA Career Development Committee as I would love to give back to the organization/committee that has supported me on this journey.”

Read more about Parker at mcaa.org. ...

Students, are you looking for a full time position in mechanical contracting after graduation? Maybe an internship over the summer? MCAA`s job board is designed to help you find the perfect role. Our member companies have posted these openings in the last 2 weeks and are looking to fill them with students from MCAA student chapters, students like you!

To view these openings and to learn more, find the link in our bio to the MCAA job board. Good luck! ...

Congratulations to Griffin Souder, recipient of the Donald V. Brown, Sr. Memorial Scholarship.

D.V. Brown and Associates, Inc., a charter member of MCAA, established this scholarship in 2024 to commemorate the memory of its founder, Donald V. Brown, Senior.

“During my internship, I enjoyed spending every week learning something about the mechanical industry, or learning the process of what a mechanical contractor does and their role in a project. I also enjoyed the people I was able to work with. They were great to ask questions about anything I did not know, and they were really easy to work with.

Following graduation, I signed on with P1 Construction as an Entry Estimator. I am blessed to have the opportunity to pursue the role I wanted. I learned so much from being part of my MCA Student Chapter at Pittsburg State University. I think the competition is a great learning tool to gain knowledge about the construction industry as a whole. There is a lot of information that you have to provide that both mechanical contractors and general contractors do in the real world. In the future, I’d also like to participate with the MCA KC Youth Professional Committee.”

Read more about Griffin at mcaa.org. ...

Congratulations to Preston McDonald, one of two recipients of the Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey established these scholarships to honor the memory of Alan P. O’Shea, its former Executive Director, and to memorialize his many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry.

"Being a part of MCAA and MCA of Indiana has greatly helped me understand what my future in construction will look like, while also giving me the tools to succeed. Through my involvement with the MCAA chapter at Indiana State University, I’ve learned how to review plans and specs and conduct take-offs, skills that have been essential to my job performance at my internship. Without this knowledge going into my role, I don’t think I would have been as successful.

Additionally, MCAA has helped me connect with likeminded students pursuing mechanical construction and has given me insight into what the mechanical industry is like across the United States. I wouldn’t have found my internship if it weren’t for MCAA. I met the President and owner of Deig Construction at one of the networking events at the Orlando convention, which ultimately led to my internship.”

Read more about Preston at mcaa.org. ...

Students, are you looking for a full time position in mechanical contracting after graduation? Maybe an internship over the summer? MCAA`s job board is designed to help you find the perfect role. Our member companies have posted these openings in the last 2 weeks and are looking to fill them with students from MCAA student chapters, students like you!

To view these openings and to learn more, find the link in our bio to the MCAA job board. Good luck! ...

Congratulations to Garvey France, recipient of the Robert J. Durr, Sr. – UA/NCPWB Partnering Scholarship.

This scholarship is in honor of Robert J. Durr, Sr., former chairman of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) 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.

“There are so many impressive things about the mechanical world, including the ability to put your own design into a building. Routing pipes separate ways as if each area is a puzzle has always intrigued me. There is a large amount of information to learn, and new means and methods mean the industry is always changing. With that change comes a challenge, and I’m always in for a good challenge."

Read more about Garvey at mcaa.org. ...

Congratulations to Kaleb Kruse, recipient of the ATP Inspiring Future Leaders Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2023 to recognize, support and inspire students in the mechanical industry.

“During my internship, I enjoyed all the hands-on work that I got from working in the field. I had the opportunity to work on many different jobs and with different crews, which led to a good understanding of the different ways crews work.

I was also able to continue to learn and understand how the work we do as mechanical contractors helps the world around us. I saw first-hand how necessary it is that we do good work to keep people healthy and comfortable."

Read more about Kaleb at mcaa.org. ...