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, engineers, and field leaders 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. Here’s how:
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS & FACULTY
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.
Each year, students from nearly 50 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. Learn more and register!
The GreatFutures Job Board connects MCAA member companies with top student talent by listing internship and entry-level opportunities in mechanical contracting. Explore jobs and apply!
Beyond the Classroom Video Series
This video series shares the opportunities and careers available to students in the mechanical industry. Learn about the different jobs available in a mechanical contracting company, including project managers, estimators, and more!
MCAA awards over $110,000 in scholarships every year to worthy students who are members of an MCAA chapter. Learn about the different scholarships, eligibility, and deadlines.
Learn about how to start and support a student chapter, MCAA faculty research grants, and more.
RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
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.
One of the best way to source talent for your company is to develop a relationship with the closest MCAA chapter(s) to your location(s). Get to know the leadership, sponsor and speak at events, and tell the students about opportunities at your firm.
Be sure to post your internships and entry-level jobs on the GreatFutures job board. MCAA promotes the job board and all jobs to its student and faculty network. Get access to quality talent!
GRANTS PROGRAMS
Explore Student Grants Programs.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
What Is Mechanical Contracting?
Watch this short video to learn more about Mechanical Contracting.
PREVIOUS GREATFUTURES FORUM VIDEOS
View GreatFutures Forum videos below.
ADDITIONAL CONFERENCE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
View additional conference video highlights below.
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…
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Register by Friday, September 2nd, for MCAA’s 2022 GreatFutures Forum to Get a Head Start on Hiring Your 2023 Interns and New Hires
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…
FEATURED EVENT
MEP Innovation Conference
January 26-28, 2026
Austin, TX
MCAA, NECA, and SMACNA are joining forces to deliver a conference brimming with educational opportunities, led by industry professionals for industry professionals.
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.
MEMBERSHIP
How to Become a Student Chapter
Interested in more information about becoming a student chapter? Contact us.
Ready to start the Charter Process, here is the form.