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!
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!
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.
Faculty Education & Grants Resources
JRGF offers a hands-on summer employment grant and underwrites MCAA’s participation in MEAC for peer-to-peer mechanical education for faculty advisors.
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.
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.
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.
LATEST NEWS
-
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…
-
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 –…
-
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 MCAA Convention
March 15-19, 2026
Phoenix, AZ
Enjoy MCAA’s premier event with an abundance of educational workshops, riveting special sessions, outstanding exhibits, and social functions that never fail to amaze and delight.
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.
Follow us on Instagram!
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 the MCAA Student Chapter Competition Merit Award teams! Each of these schools submitted a proposal that ranked 5th-10th, barely missing the Final Four. The teams will receive a $1,000 prize and a trophy at MCAA26 in Phoenix, AZ.
Thank you to the following companies for their special contributions to the competition project:
– @helm_group (supplying the project)
– @dewalttough (sponsoring the competition prizes)
– @procoretech (use of their Project Management software)
– @trimble_official (use of Trimble Estimation MEP and/or AutoBid software)
– Ferguson (providing pricing for pipe valves and fittings)
And thanks to Trimble for providing a $5,000 scholarship to one lucky first-round competition participant who has expressed interest in a career as an estimator within the mechanical contracting industry.
Learn more, and see who won the competition for the past 25 years, at mcaa.org.
Congratulations to the MCAA Student Chapter Competition Merit Award teams! The teams will compete for a top prize of $10,000 on 3/17 at MCAA26 in Phoenix, AZ. Plan your convention schedule now to ensure you don’t miss your chance to vote for the MVP – Most Valuable Presenter.
Thank you to the following companies for their special contributions to the competition project:
– @helm_group (supplying the project)
– @dewalttough (sponsoring the competition prizes)
– @procoretech (use of their Project Management software)
– @trimble_official (use of Trimble Estimation MEP and/or AutoBid software)
– Ferguson (providing pricing for pipe valves and fittings)
Learn more, and find out who won the competition for the past 25 years, 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!
JRGF Internship Grants Available for Student Chapters, Employers and Affiliated Associations – Something for Everyone!
The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) recently opened applications for 2026 Internship Grants.
Learn more at mcaa.org and be sure to take advantage of these grants intended to help build your great future in mechanical contracting!
Happy Thanksgiving from MCAA
We appreciate the dedication and resilience that strengthen our industry—and the people who make it possible. Wishing you a holiday season full of gratitude and togetherness.
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!
🌟 A Huge Thank-You for Making MSCA25 Transform a Success!
What an incredible experience at the 2025 MSCA Annual Education Conference! From insightful sessions to lively discussions, every moment was a celebration of learning, connection and transformation. It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new friendships in such a vibrant atmosphere. 🌵✨
Save the Date: We can’t wait to see you next year at the Austin Marriott Downtown, Nov. 8–11, 2026, for more inspiration, networking and unforgettable memories!
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.