MCA.org

Educational

Learning and Networking Through the Construction Education Institute

The Construction Education Institute has long set MCA of Chicago apart from other associations, making us the leader in education for the entire construction industry.

A joint effort of the MCA and the Piping Education Council, the Institute expands its offerings by including several new programs each year. Our Project Management Certificate Program offers foremen and project managers the opportunity to continue to expand their knowledge and skills for better management on the jobsite. Also, MCA together with United Association Pipe Fitters Local 597 provides a Service Training Program, offering specific training to our service contractors.

Our efforts to expand training opportunities on a regional level have succeeded in developing partnerships that include other industry associations, including Plumbing Contractors Association, Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Authority of Northern Illinois (PAMCANI), Piping Industry Council Rockford Area (PICRA), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) of Chicago, Illinois Environmental Contractors Association, and the Plumbing Council of Chicago.

Construction Education Institute classes offered during the Fall and Spring semesters include:

  • Green Building LEED AP Study Course
  • Basic Computer Skills
  • Project Planning
  • Controlling Labor Cost
  • Estimating
  • Testing, Balancing & Adjusting Air, Water & Refresher Courses
  • Project Closeout
  • Foreman Training Programs
  • Legal, Insurance, Bonding & Finance Programs for Management Personnel
  • Construction Defect & Mold Liability
  • Fundamentals for Project Managers
  • Basic Negotiating Skills
  • Customer Service
  • OSHA 10- and 30-Hour Safety
  • Webinars that you can attend in your office at your leisure

The Executive Forum Trains Senior Management for Success

The Construction Education Institute Executive Forum was designed as a “Senior Management 101” course and is a unique and intensive learning experience.

This indispensable program is aimed at providing senior level management personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to survive at the CEO and senior management levels. Targeted workshops cover areas ranging from marketing and construction finance to contract law and human resources. This exciting program has already become a model for other MCA affiliates across the United States.

The Green Construction Institute: Learning for Today and the Future

Green building is steadily growing in popularity and any business in the construction industry that ignores sustainable technology runs the risk of being left behind – and losing market share.

The Green Construction Institute offers educational opportunities to keep the association’s member contractors up-to-date with the latest green building technology. The Institute also provides green classes for engineers, city officials, building owners, and United Association Pipefitters Local Union 597 apprentices and journeymen, among others.

The Green Construction Institute’s educational offerings include the following:

  • Introductory Course in Green Building for contractors.
  • Apprentice and Craft Training: Guidance and curriculums for union construction trades.
  • Technical, Equipment and Design: Training on green building methods and materials.
  • Legal and Insurance Advice
  • LEED Accredited Professional (AP) Training
  • Marketing: How contractors can promote green building to their clients.
  • CEO Training: How business leaders can position their companies.
  • Owner Training: Online seminars for owners on LEED Existing Building (EB) and New Construction (NC).
  • Visioning: Courses on how green building will intersect in the future with design/build, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and other industry developments.
  • Green Building Publications
  • LEED Consulting Services
  • Contractor Assistance to find financing options on energy payback projects.
  • Contractor and/or Owner Assistance to find grants for green projects.

New educational offerings are always being considered, since sustainable technology is expanding at a rapid pace.

A Commitment to Continuing Education

Our commitment to continuing education is also reflected in the welder’s certification program, which currently graduates more than four times the number of welders than any other program in the country – over 1,000 welders in the past year alone.

In additional, the Construction Education Institute offers numerous programs with Professional Development Hours towards various continuing education requirements.

Monthly and Annual Meetings Increase Learning Opportunities

In addition to these programs, our monthly Regular Business Meetings offer members the opportunity to learn more about hot topics through our mini-seminars – presented by contractors, for contractors.

These meetings also feature presentations by knowledgeable speakers, ranging from industry consultants to elected officials, and also provide contractors with a venue for discussing important industry issues with their peers.

The MCA / Piping Education Council (PEC) Business Conference, a valuable four-day event, provides members with opportunities to participate in a variety of forums, learn from industry experts, and spend quality time networking with their peers. The Business Conference is held at different destinations every other year, including Cape Cod, St. Thomas, Palm Beach, Napa Valley and Cancun.