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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.

Mechanical Education Basics Guide

Top 10 Resources for New Hires and Office Staff

  1. What is Mechanical Contracting Video
  2. 101 Trainings – HVAC & Plumbing 101
  3. Flowcharts – PM & VDC
  4. Safety & Health Resources – 700+
  5. Management Methods Bulletins
  6. WebLEM
  7. Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime
  8. Tool & Equipment Rental Guide
  9. Manufacturer/Supplier Training
  10. Events Calendar

BONUS: MCAA’s National Staff Directory

Have a question, but don’t know who to contact? Check out our listing of staff emails and phone numbers.

Where Can I Find These Resources?

The majority of the items above can be found in the MCAA Resource Center. MCAA members have access to the full library by simply setting up an MCAA login that uses an email corresponding to the company domain.

Login and start browsing to learn something new about the MCAA resources available to you and your company today!

Looking for Additional Ways to Get Involved with the Career Development Initiative?

  • Check out the Universities Page for a listing of student chapters with students in your area.
  • Register for the MCAA GreatFutures Forum in Salt Lake City by September 9th. Complimentary registration is offered for this three-day conference (October 9-11, 2025) for MCAA Student Chapter members, faculty advisors, MCAA Members, Affiliated Association Executives, and GFF Sponsors.
  • Contact MCAA Director, Career Development, Michele Hoffman (mhoffman@mcaa.org) with questions or Sean McGuire, JRGF Executive Director (smcguire@mcaa.org) regarding scholarship donations or research.

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

Congratulations to Kyla Magee on receiving the Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship at MCAA25 during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast. 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.

Kyla is a Construction Engineering major at the University of Nebraska and plans to graduate this December.  She has been an active member of her student chapter since 2021 and served as the Community Service Chair, Wine Tasting Fundraiser Chair/Vice President, and President. She previously interned with MCAA Members Ray Martin Company and Cerris Systems and will return to Cerris Systems full-time upon graduation.

“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.

I hope to stay involved with MCA-Omaha as a mentor to younger students and hopefully inspire others to get involved with all MCAA has to offer.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Kyla on this prestigious scholarship and thank the McCarl family for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

New Resource: MCAA Mechanical Education Basics Guide

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. 

Mechanical Education Basics Guide

Top 10 Resources for the Classroom

  1. What is Mechanical Contracting Video
  2. 101 Trainings – HVAC & Plumbing 101
  3. Flowcharts – PM & VDC
  4. Safety & Health Resources – 700+
  5. Management Methods Bulletins
  6. WebLEM
  7. Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime
  8. Tool & Equipment Rental Guide
  9. Manufacturer/Supplier Training
  10. The Best Classroom Education – Get Out of the Classroom!
    – MCAA GreatFutures Forum
    – MCAA Convention
    – Plus 5 Attendance Scholarship Conferences: MEP Innovation Conference, Safety & Health Conference, WiMI Conference, Fabrication Conference & MSCA Annual Education Conference

Login and start browsing to learn something new about the mechanical contracting industry today!

Looking for Additional Ways to Get Involved with the Career Development Initiative?

  • Register for the MCAA GreatFutures Forum in Salt Lake City by September 9th. Complimentary registration is offered for this three-day conference (October 9-11, 2025) for MCAA Student Chapter members, faculty advisors, MCAA Members, Affiliated Association Executives, and GFF Sponsors.
  • Contact MCAA Director, Career Development, Michele Hoffman (mhoffman@mcaa.org) with questions or Sean McGuire, JRGF Executive Director (smcguire@mcaa.org) regarding scholarship donations or research.

Congratulations to Parker Jenkins, Recipient of the Viega Scholarship

The Viega scholarship, now in its third year, was awarded to Parker Jenkins. 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.

Parker graduated in May from Pittsburg State University with a major in Construction Management. He was an active member of his student chapter for three school years and served his chapter as Treasurer. Parker interned with MCAA Member, P1 Group, for two summers and returned this summer as a full-time Mechanical Project Engineer.

“What appeals to me most about mechanical construction is the opportunity to work on such diverse projects that require innovative solutions to complex challenges (becoming a subject matter expert). I find it very rewarding to see how mechanical systems play a crucial role in the functionality and efficiency of buildings, particularly the med gas/HVAC requirements or processed pipe allowing us to enjoy all the things in life we take for granted.

Additionally, 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.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Parker on this prestigious scholarship and thank Viega for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

MCAA GreatFutures Forum – Be Part of Our Unconventional Job Fair & More

Register today for MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum in Salt Lake City and participate in the most unconventional job fair around on the morning of Friday, October 10th. Not only is the job fair included, but MCAA Members receive complimentary registration for the entire three-day event!

We’ve done away with stationary and stiff booths and instead offer a relaxed and casual breakfast that puts the focus on making impactful employment connections. Identifiers will be distributed to signify if you’re offering an internship (yellow beads), full-time post-graduation job (green beads), or if you’re just there for the bacon-themed breakfast (purple beads). Employers are encouraged to wear a company branded shirt. Likewise, students will be wearing matching navy GFF shirts to easily stand out as employee candidates.

Job Fair Process for Employers

  • Attend the Job Fair Prep for Employers Session for 15 minutes of best practices on Friday morning.
  • Check in at the Employer Desk to add your company to the Digital Employer Board, a TV showing the primary geographic hiring location of each company.
  • Grab your beads to let others know your objective:
    • Green = Looking for full-time employees
    • Yellow = Looking for interns
    • Purple = There for the bacon-themed breakfast & networking support
  • Head across the hall to the Job Fair in your company branded shirt.
  • Mingle, enjoy breakfast, and look for a student (in a navy GFF shirt) wearing the same color beads as you. Congrats – you’ve found a potential employee!
  • Say hello and start your conversation. Be sure to use the tips from the Employer Prep session.
  • Trade information and remember to follow up. We will make the trade part easy with a provided digital business card.
    • Optional – Head over to the interview room for a quiet place for a quick on-site interview.
  • Continue to make your way around the room and meet additional interested students.

Please do not bring trinkets, handouts, pop-ups/signs or backdrops. Everyone will be moving around the room throughout the event.

New for 2025: Conference App Messaging

Although we encourage everyone to move around the job fair and explore employment opportunities organically, attendees are now able to set a meeting time and place to more easily identify one another within the controlled chaos of the job fair.

  • Tables will now have numbers to assist with making pre-arranged connections.
  • Students will be able to search within the conference app to sort employers by either company name or keyword search for if you’ve registered as a company interested in discussing internships or full-time positions.

Sample Message from a Student

“Hello! I’m Michele from University XYZ and I’d love to explore Mechanical 123’s employment opportunities while at the GFF Job Fair. Would meeting up at 8:10 AM at table #5 work for you?

Pro Tips

  • Check out the “Who’s Here” tab on the GreatFutures event site prior to attending. Lists of companies and schools that are attending will be included one week prior to the conference.
  • Download the event app and accept connections from interested students for the ability to message directly. Instructions will be included in the Know Before You Go email. 
  • Plan on attending the entire conference for the ultimate recruiting experience. Although the Job Fair technically ends on Friday morning, networking can happen at any time. Connecting with a student on the bus ride to the offsite tour or waiting in line for a cookie after lunch could be just as impactful as a connection made during the structured 90-minute Job Fair session.

2025 GreatFutures Forum Program Highlights

Thursday

  • Alumni Breakfast (graduates from MCAA Student Chapters)
  • Registration & Snack Station
  • Welcome
  • Mountains of Opportunity – Hot Potato
  • The Power of No
  • TP Challenge

Friday

  • Job Fair Prep for Employers / Students
  • Job Fair & Breakfast
  • Presidential Message from Brian Hughes
  • Keynote: Olympian Vince Poscente
  • The Mechanical Puzzle Round 2: Hot Water
  • Competition Skills: BIM for Mechanical – From VDC Strategy to Coordination Success
  • Tour of Mechanical Service & Systems, Inc.
  • Utah Olympic Oval Dinner, Behind the Scenes, Rink Time

Saturday

  • 2025-2026 Competition Introduction
  • Building Your Chapter Roundtables
  • Trivia Answers & Prizes
  • Final Wrap-Up
Registration & Additional Information

Questions on the GreatFutures Forum?

Contact MCAA Director, Career Development, Michele Hoffman at 402-305-8969 or mhoffman@mcaa.org.

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. Congratulations to the second recipient – Griffin Souder!

Griffin studied Construction Engineering at Pittsburg State University and graduated in May 2025. He was an active member of his student chapter for two years and served as Secretary. Last summer he interned with MCAA Member, P1 Construction, LLC and returned this summer as a full-time employee.

“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.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Griffin on this prestigious scholarship and thank D.V. Brown and Associates, Inc. for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Congratulations to Preston McDonald, Recipient of the Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship

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. These scholarships were presented by David G. Strobino (MCA of New Jersey President) and Phillip Petillo, Jr. (MCA of New Jersey Executive Director) at the MCAA25 Awards of Excellence Breakfast in Austin, Texas.

Preston anticipates graduating from Indiana State University in May 2027 with a degree in construction management. He has been active in his student chapter since 2023 and has served his chapter in the role of Treasurer. Preston has interned with MCAA Member, Deig Bros. Lumber & Construction Company, Inc., for the past two summers.

“What appeals to me about mechanical construction is the combination of technical challenges and hands-on problem solving. I enjoy the complexity of designing and implementing mechanical systems that are integral to a building’s functionality. This industry’s focus on innovation, particularly in energy efficiency and sustainable practices, excites me as it allows for continuous learning and growth. Additionally, the collaborative nature of mechanical construction, where different disciplines come together to create a cohesive project, fosters teamwork and communication skills that I value in a career.

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.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Preston on this prestigious scholarship and thank the MCA of New Jersey for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

MCAA GreatFutures Forum – Be Part of Our Unconventional Job Fair & More

Register today for MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum in Salt Lake City and participate in the most unconventional job fair around on the morning of Friday, October 10th. Not only is the job fair included, but MCAA Members receive complimentary registration for the entire three-day event!

We’ve done away with stationary and stiff booths and instead offer a relaxed and casual breakfast that puts the focus on making impactful employment connections. Identifiers will be distributed to signify if you’re offering an internship (yellow beads), full-time post-graduation job (green beads), or if you’re just there for the bacon-themed breakfast (purple beads). Employers are encouraged to wear a company branded shirt. Likewise, students will be wearing matching navy GFF shirts to easily stand out as employee candidates.

Job Fair Process for Employers

  • Attend the Job Fair Prep for Employers Session for 15 minutes of best practices on Friday morning.
  • Check in at the Employer Desk to add your company to the Digital Employer Board, a TV showing the primary geographic hiring location of each company.
  • Grab your beads to let others know your objective:
    • Green = Looking for full-time employees
    • Yellow = Looking for interns
    • Purple = There for the bacon-themed breakfast & networking support
  • Head across the hall to the Job Fair in your company branded shirt.
  • Mingle, enjoy breakfast, and look for a student (in a navy GFF shirt) wearing the same color beads as you. Congrats – you’ve found a potential employee!
  • Say hello and start your conversation. Be sure to use the tips from the Employer Prep session.
  • Trade information and remember to follow up. We will make the trade part easy with a provided digital business card.
    • Optional – Head over to the interview room for a quiet place for a quick on-site interview.
  • Continue to make your way around the room and meet additional interested students.

Please do not bring trinkets, handouts, pop-ups/signs or backdrops. Everyone will be moving around the room throughout the event.

New for 2025: Conference App Messaging

Although we encourage everyone to move around the job fair and explore employment opportunities organically, attendees are now able to set a meeting time and place to more easily identify one another within the controlled chaos of the job fair.

  • Tables will now have numbers to assist with making pre-arranged connections.
  • Students will be able to search within the conference app to sort employers by either company name or keyword search for if you’ve registered as a company interested in discussing internships or full-time positions.

Sample Message from a Student

“Hello! I’m Michele from University XYZ and I’d love to explore Mechanical 123’s employment opportunities while at the GFF Job Fair. Would meeting up at 8:10 AM at table #5 work for you?

Pro Tips

  • Check out the “Who’s Here” tab on the GreatFutures event site prior to attending. Lists of companies and schools that are attending will be included one week prior to the conference.
  • Download the event app and accept connections from interested students for the ability to message directly. Instructions will be included in the Know Before You Go email. 
  • Plan on attending the entire conference for the ultimate recruiting experience. Although the Job Fair technically ends on Friday morning, networking can happen at any time. Connecting with a student on the bus ride to the offsite tour or waiting in line for a cookie after lunch could be just as impactful as a connection made during the structured 90-minute Job Fair session.

2025 GreatFutures Forum Program Highlights

Thursday

  • Alumni Breakfast (graduates from MCAA Student Chapters)
  • Registration & Snack Station
  • Welcome
  • Mountains of Opportunity – Hot Potato
  • The Power of No
  • TP Challenge

Friday

  • Job Fair Prep for Employers / Students
  • Job Fair & Breakfast
  • Presidential Message from Brian Hughes
  • Keynote: Olympian Vince Poscente
  • The Mechanical Puzzle Round 2: Hot Water
  • Competition Skills: BIM for Mechanical – From VDC Strategy to Coordination Success
  • Tour of Mechanical Service & Systems, Inc.
  • Utah Olympic Oval Dinner, Behind the Scenes, Rink Time

Saturday

  • 2025-2026 Competition Introduction
  • Building Your Chapter Roundtables
  • Trivia Answers & Prizes
  • Final Wrap-Up
Registration & Additional Information

Questions on the GreatFutures Forum?

Contact MCAA Director, Career Development, Michele Hoffman at 402-305-8969 or mhoffman@mcaa.org.

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

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

Garvey studied Construction Management at Purdue University and graduated in May 2025. He interned with MCAA Member, Harrell-Fish Incorporated and was an active member of his student chapter for three years.

“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.

During my time with the student chapter, I have gained experience and built connections that will help further my career. These connections I really consider my friends and are people that I can ask questions to or, in some cases, people that I can help. The mechanical industry has the truest of individuals. In one summer, I was able to establish a friendship that will last a lifetime. Mechanical construction is the real deal.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Garvey on this prestigious scholarship and thank the NCPWB for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

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

Kaleb Kruse is the recipient of the ATP Inspiring Future Leaders Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2023 to recognize, support and inspire students in the mechanical industry.

Kaleb studied Construction Management at Kansas State University and graduated in May 2025. He was an active member in his student chapter since 2022 and held the roles of President and Vice President. He previously interned with MCAA Member, Kruse Corporation and is returning as a full-time Assistant Project Manager this summer.

“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.

This summer I joined my family’s mechanical contracting company out of Wichita, Kansas, as an Assistant Project Manager. I hope to bring new ideas and thoughts to help them continue to thrive. Within five years, I hope to be helping the expansion of the company and running my own projects.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Kaleb on this prestigious scholarship and thank ATP for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.