Hiring a student intern is one of the smartest investments a mechanical contracting firm can make—both for today’s workload and tomorrow’s leadership pipeline. Interns give you a direct way to identify, develop, and recruit young talent early, building relationships with future project managers, pre-construction team members, and engineers before they enter the full-time market.
Just as important, interns bring energy, curiosity, and a fresh perspective that can reinvigorate your teams, boost morale, and spark new ways of thinking on jobsites and in the office. They’re often fluent in emerging technologies and new academic approaches, which creates a valuable two-way exchange: your team teaches real-world construction practices, and interns introduce new tools, ideas, and problem-solving styles that can strengthen productivity and innovation.
MCAA’s Career Development Initiative helps MCAA members connect with students for internships or full-time employment.
STUDENT CHAPTER & EMPLOYER RESOURCES
Student Chapter Listing. MCAA student chapters connect college students with the mechanical contracting industry through leadership opportunities, networking, and hands-on exposure to real-world careers in mechanical construction.
Student-Focused Conference. Each year, students from nearly 40 student chapters and MCAA member companies gather for three days of student-focused education sessions that highlight the mechanical contracting industry, fun peer-to-peer relationship building, and most importantly, a chance to network with potential employers. Registration for 2026 opens June 22nd.
Your Industry, Your Network, Your Future. The GreatFutures Job Board connects MCAA member companies with top student talent by listing internship and entry-level opportunities in mechanical contracting. Post or view available jobs today!
The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) awards over $110,000 in scholarships every year to students who are members of a chartered MCAA student chapter. Learn about the deadlines and eligibility for the different scholarships available from JRGF and its generous donors.
JRGF underwrites the awards and grants for the Student Chapter of the Year, Educator of the Year, Emerging Chapter Grants (new & inactive chapters), and Attendance Scholarships for 5 of MCAA’s more specialized conferences – WiMI, MSCA, Fabrication, Safety & Health, and MEP Innovation.
Student Chapter Internship Grants
Annual grants are available to offer additional support to student chapters that are successfully connecting students with internships and full-time employment in the mechanical contracting industry.
This national scholarship will be awarded each year to two exceptional students who are pursuing two-or four-year degrees in service work, with a goal of continuing to inspire and support the next generation of mechanical service professionals.
Employer Intern Hiring Resources
Ready to bring on an intern, or two, or three this summer, or all year? Learn about what interns can do for your company, Intern best practices, how to run an “Industry Orientation Day,” recruiting best practices, and “Hire Me” October month.
JRGF offers a hands-on summer employment grant and underwrites MCAA’s participation in MEAC for peer-to-peer mechanical education for faculty advisors.
JRGF Scholarships
The John R. Gentille Foundation offers several scholarships as part of its commitment to funding the next generation of mechanical contracting leaders, providing students the opportunity to develop professional skills, knowledge and experiences.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
What Is Mechanical Contracting?
Watch this short video to learn more about Mechanical Contracting.
STUDENT CHAPTER COMPETITION
Hands-On Learning for a GREAT Future with MCAA.
CONFERENCE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
View additional conference video highlights below.
Attending a conference?
Check out the Traveling with MCAA 101 Slides and Student Drinking Policy with an advisor before your chapter starts traveling.
Don’t forget to apply for an Attendance Scholarship for your chapter to be eligible for complimentary registration for up to 2 students + 1 faculty for WiMI, MSCA, Fabrication, Safety & Health and MEP. Registration is always complimentary for MCAA Student Chapters for Convention and the MCAA GreatFutures Forum.
MEMBERSHIP
How to Become a Student Chapter
Interested in more information about becoming a student chapter? Contact us. Ready to start the Charter Process, Download the Form.
LATEST NEWS
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Viega Highlights Intern Success & Industry Collaboration
MCAA congratulates Viega on two successful internships that began with making connections at MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum last year. Read on to learn about their experiences and…
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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 –…
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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…
FEATURED EVENT
2026 WiMI Conference
June 8-10, 2026
Coronado, CA
The annual WiMI conference will feature exceptional speakers, interactive educational sessions, industry related roundtables and opportunities to build lasting relationships with fellow women in the mechanical industry.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The Career Development Committee connects students with MCAA members, offering networking, education, and resources to explore careers in mechanical contracting and support future workforce needs.
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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 all MCAA26 award winners and scholarship recipients! $110,000 in scholarships were awarded, plus Indiana State University emerged as the victors of the MCAA Student Chapter Competition. Who else took home awards? Find out at mcaa.org!
MCAA26 wrapped up this morning as outgoing President Brian Hughes passed the gavel to his successor, Curtis Harbour. Thank you to Brian and Curtis, all our attendees and sponsors, and everyone else who made this week so incredible!
We hope you’ll join us next year in sunny San Diego, CA, for MCAA27, March 7-11, 2027.
Lady A sure put on a show last night! Western boots and cowboy hats were the outfit of the evening as attendees celebrated our final night here in Phoenix. What a week it’s been, and it`s not quite over! #MCAA26
On our last night here in Phoenix, attendees had a chance to unwind on the Ballroom Lawn at the Closing Reception, sponsored by Milwaukee Tool.
Now it`s time to get ready for the Closing Dinner and Lady A in Concert! #MCAA26
At this morning`s Awards of Excellence Breakfast, sponsored by MILWAUKEE TOOL, Calvin Clark, Vice President of Safety & Quality at Enerfab, received the prestigious MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year Award.
Congratulations to Calvin, as well as to the five recipients of the MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards: ICOM Mechanical Inc., Heffron Company, Inc., Hurckman Mechanical Industries, Inc, Harrell-Fish, Inc. and J.F. Ahern. #MCAA26
New York Times best-selling author Michael Easter kept our energy levels high this morning as his vivid storytelling showed how to embrace The Power of Leaving Your Comfort Zone.
The day continued with a variety of education seminars on topics ranging from the state of AI and the data center boom to succession planning and developing a cohesive workplace.
Next up is a chance to unwind this evening with a live concert you won’t want to miss: Grammy Award-winning country group Lady A! #MCAA26
This morning’s Awards of Excellence Breakfast, sponsored by @milwaukeetool, highlighted some of this year’s many winners:
Student Chapter Competition – Indiana State University
A record-breaking $110,000 awarded to 25 students
Safety Awards
Educator of the Year Award – Jonathan Bluey, Virginia Tech
Student Chapter of the Year Award – California State University, Chico
Golf & Pickleball Tournaments
5k Fun Run / Mile Walk
It also featured motivational speaker and former college football player Inky Johnson, whose message of resilience transcends sports and business, focusing on leadership, mental toughness and embracing change. #MCAA26
