High School Students
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Mechanical contracting is a creative, high-paying industry built for people who want to help others, have fun doing it, and build a legacy in their community. From designing to maintaining the systems that keep every building safe and comfortable, this is work that matters. MCAKC connects high school students in Kansas City with real programs and experiences in this field.
Heavy Metal Summer Experience
The Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) is a camp that gives high school students direct exposure to the union trades. You will work alongside union professionals and get a real look at what a career in the mechanical trades can offer.
Scholarships
MCAKC offers scholarships for high school students who have a parent or guardian who is a member of Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 8 or Pipe Fitters Local 533. Awards are $1,250 per semester for any field of study, up to eight semesters.
Industry Speakers and Career Fairs
Are you an educator or counselor looking to bring mechanical contracting into your classroom or career fair? MCAKC can connect you with contractor members who are ready to speak with your students. Presenters come prepared with a high school presentation, hands-on activity options, digital review games, and student giveaways.
“Last year, I used the tool kit, in particular the book Grit Leads to Greatness in a session. The student that I was reading it with enjoyed the book and it got him thinking about problem solving measures to the problems the characters were facing in the book. Learning the meaning of grit not just in the context of the book, but also in the world around us is essential to the issues that we face, especially in mechanical contracting and construction.”
Isabel Saenz
U.S. Engineering
“Over the years, I have volunteered in outreach efforts to introduce the next generation to the mechanical trades. When visiting grade schools, high schools and Career Fairs my presentations are made easy through the use of the MCA outreach tools. I have utilized each of the kits with great success. The construction story books encourage questions, while the interactive Lego builds and piping models provide a fun, hands-on introduction to the mechanical field. At Career Fairs, the information flyers for Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 8 and Pipe Fitters Local 533 offer valuable, shareable information for students and their families. I highly recommend these tool kids as an effective and accessible way to spread awareness of the trades.”
Pam Nolte
Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 8