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Mechanical contracting offers college students a direct path into an industry that builds and maintains the systems that keep buildings alive. Whether you already know this field or are just getting started, there are real opportunities waiting for you in Kansas City. Visit our Career Options page to learn about the roles available in our industry.
Join a Student Chapter
Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Student Chapters give you direct access to the industry while you are still in school. You attend national conferences with paid travel, have access to $100,000+ in scholarships, and build a network that leads to high-paying careers. MCAKC and the MCAA help connect you to these experiences every step of the way.
MCAKC currently supports two student chapters in the Kansas City region:
Kansas State University
Faculty Advisor: Andrew Sneed
[email protected]
Pittsburg State University
Faculty Advisor: Shannon Nicklaus
[email protected]
Start a Student Chapter on Your Campus
Not at K-State or PSU? You can bring an MCAA Student Chapter to your university. All it takes is one faculty advisor and MCAKC handles the rest. Your chapter will compete in national competitions, travel to MCAA events, and gain access to internships and scholarships. MCAKC and MCAA provide the initial funding to get you started and the expertise to help keep you going.
Explore Internships and Career Opportunities
Paid internships in mechanical contracting are competitive and they fill up fast. MCAKC connects students with contractors across Kansas City who are looking for talented people to join their teams. If you are interested, don’t wait until spring. Contractors are typically filling their summer positions in the fall semester.
Recent graduates can also connect with MCAKC to explore full-time opportunities with member contractors.
Browse our Contractor Directory to find companies you want to work with, then send your resume and areas of interest to Outreach Manager Kathleen Livingston.
Visit our Career Options page to learn more about the roles available in our industry.
Hear from Students Like You
Parker was an MCAA Student Chapter member before he graduated. Hear his story, then read what other students have to say about their experience in the industry.
“I chose to join KState’s MCA chapter after I was able to talk to a few of the senior members. I was in the process of switching majors from Mechanical Engineering to Construction Science. The chapter is very unique and has its moments of quirkiness and that makes me happy to be a part of it. I plan for the future of the chapter to assume a leadership role and keep advertising and trying to get the public to hear about MCAA. I really just want to give future students the same chance that I was given by joining. The connections and friends I have made during my time with the club is something I want to see others experience and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Austin Gardner
Kansas State University
“I was first introduced to the mechanical construction industry through my involvement in the MCA student chapter and working on the MCAA National Competition. That experience was incredibly insightful and opened my eyes to the impact and complexity of this field. I genuinely enjoyed the competition, especially seeing how mechanical systems come together on a large scale. It motivated me to pursue an internship with a mechanical construction company on a mega project. From that point on, I was hooked and knew this was the career path I wanted to follow.”
Kavan Limbasiya
The Waldinger Corporation
Resources for Faculty and Campus Partners
MCAKC is ready to support you too.
Bring real industry insight into your classroom or career fair by connecting with local contractors who are prepared to speak with your students. Presenters come ready with a college-level presentation, optional hands-on activities, and fun student giveaways to keep your students engaged.
Interested in establishing an MCAA Student Chapter at your institution? You only need to serve as the faculty advisor and MCAKC provides full support from day one.
Have More Questions?
Reach out to Outreach Manager Kathleen Livingston with questions about student chapters, internships, campus visits, or anything else on this page.