Preparing students for mechanical contracting work requires experience with estimating, project planning, technical systems and construction management. A national student competition is giving college teams an opportunity to apply those skills to a simulated mechanical contracting assignment involving a cogeneration facility.
The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) released its 2026-27 Student Chapter Competition project Sept. 4. The assignment requires participating teams to develop a proposal while working as the mechanical contractor for a cogeneration facility near Omaha, Nebraska.
The competition is structured to replicate several responsibilities encountered in mechanical contracting. Student teams will work together to develop a written proposal during the first round, requiring them to apply technical knowledge, problem-solving and project management skills.
The project was provided by The Waldinger Corporation of Omaha, Nebraska. Teams will be responsible for evaluating the mechanical systems associated with the assigned facility and developing their project responses.
Proposals are due by 4 p.m. Central time on Dec. 11. Teams selected for the Final Four will advance to a second round requiring an oral presentation.
The Final Four teams will present their proposals March 9, 2027, in San Diego, California, as part of MCAA27. The competition provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate both technical and presentation skills before industry professionals.
Several construction technology and supply companies are supporting the competition. Procore is providing access to project management software, while Trimble is providing access to Estimation MEP and AutoBid. Ferguson is supplying current unit pricing for pipe, valves and fittings.
DEWALT is sponsoring the competition prizes for the third consecutive year. Awards include $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, two $2,500 honorable mentions, six $1,000 merit awards and a $500 award for the Most Valuable Presenter.
Industry professionals can participate by mentoring local student chapter teams during the competition. Mentors can assist with bid development, mechanical-system questions and project scheduling while helping students understand the practical requirements of mechanical contracting.
Mentorship can also create opportunities for construction businesses to engage with students who may become future interns or employees. Teams can work with mentors through in-person meetings or remote platforms such as Teams and Zoom.
The competition connects classroom instruction with practical estimating, technical and management responsibilities encountered in mechanical contracting. For contractors, the program also provides a structured way to engage with students and support development of future construction talent.
With proposals due in December and the Final Four presentations scheduled for March 2027, participating teams have several months to develop their approaches to the cogeneration facility assignment.
Source: MCAA.
