MCA Overview

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Mechanical Contractors Association Chicago promotes the highest caliber of worker at all levels of the union mechanical contracting industry by advancing safety and education. MCA Chicago represents 60 member companies who work with the over 7,000 highly qualified pipefitters and service technicians of Pipefitters Local Union 597. Together, they install and service heating and air conditioning; and install piping wherever it's needed – from power generation, to oil refineries, to pharmaceuticals, and food processing plants.

MCA Chicago serves companies regularly engaged in mechanical contracting in Cook County, Illinois, any neighboring county, or any county included in the territorial jurisdiction of UA LU 597 which includes the counties of Cook, Lake, Will, McHenry, LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam and those portions of Kendall, Marshall, Livingston, Grundy, DuPage and Kane Counties in the State of Illinois and in the Counties of Lake, LaPorte, Porter, Newton and Jasper in the State of Indiana.

The Mechanical Contractors Association Chicago has been in partnership with Local Union 597 since 1888 working together to bring the most professional pool of workers available in the industry. The association’s staff offers expertise and assistance in lobbying, bargaining, labor force recruitment, educational offerings, networking opportunities, interaction with government officials, disputes and more.

Construction Education Institute® (CEI)

The Construction Education Institute® (CEI) is a joint effort of the MCA and the Piping Education Council. The Institute expands its offerings each year by including several new programs including:

  • Project Management Certificate Program
    Offering foremen and project managers the opportunity to continue to expand their knowledge and skills for better management on the jobsite.
  • Service Training Program
    MCA together with United Association Pipe Fitters Local 597 offers specific training to our service contractors
  • Executive Forum
    Aimed at providing senior level management personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to survive at the CEO and senior management levels
  • Green Construction Institute
    MCA contractors gain valuable green building expertise through classes offered through their Green Construction Institute, and on-line through webcasts featuring some of the leading experts in the field of green building and LEED® certification
  • Professional Development Hours
    Construction Education Institute offers numerous programs with Professional Development Hours towards various continuing education requirements.

Training efforts are expanded through 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
  • Plumbing Council of Chicago