September 25, 2007

Mechanical Contractors Association

Mechanical Contractors Association of America offers education as part of strategic vision

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

OTTAWA

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is intent on pursuing its strategic vision of becoming the “education” association, says president-elect Jack Wilhelmi.

Last year alone, MCAA in conjunction with the Mechanical Service Contractors of America, the Plumbing Contractors of America and the Pipe Welding Bureau held 178 separate educational offerings.

“We have even more under way this year,” said Wilhelmi, president of the Omaha division of The Waldinger Corp.

The list of offerings includes the Advanced Leadership Institute, “a world-class learning experience” for senior executives. The program is held annually at Babson College in Boston.

Jack Wilhelmi

“This is an intensive education for those who want to excel at leading, not just managing, a competitive construction operation,” Wilhelmi told the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada.

In 2005, a Toronto-area mechanical contractor graduated. Last year, four Canadian contractors followed suit. This year, six are slated to attend the institute.

Wilhelmi said the MCAA also has added several learning opportunities aimed at helping its members become industry leaders in green and sustainable construction.

Its first green opportunities conference, slated for Milwaukee, will explore both developing markets and the resources needed to become a green contractor.

MCAA also has begun offering prep courses to help its members prepare for the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED accredited professional exam.

In his speech, Wilhelmi, chair of MCAA’s career development committee, commended his Canadian colleagues on establishment of new student chapters at the University of Ottawa and McMaster University.

“We as an industry have the ability to address our future manpower needs proactively through these student chapter programs,” he said. “I urge you to get involved if you are not already.”

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