The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCA Canada) announced on October 2 that it has awarded more than $17,000 worth of scholarships to students in the mechanical contracting and mechanical engineering fields through its annual Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series.

The scholarship series, named for the association’s long-serving past CEO Richard McKeagan, is funded by the association’s associate members and partners. Since the program’s launch, it has awarded more than $50,000 to students.

“MCA Canada is committed to supporting the next generation of employees in our industry, and this year we saw a record number of applications for our scholarship program,” said MCA Canada president and chair Dave Holek. “MCA Canada is extremely proud to offer this program across Canada, and to see it grow year after year.”

The program is aimed at students in the mechanical field of study and has been broadened to include several new initiatives, including scholarships specifically for women in the mechanical field. This is in addition to the several scholarships available for financial assistance in the mechanical field of study.

In 2020, scholarships were available through the following MCAC Associate Members and MCA partners: Bradford White Canada, Federated Insurance, Masco/Delta, MCA Hamilton-Niagara, Reliance Worldwide, Uponor, and the broader Associate Membership of MCA Canada, which funds a single MCAC Associate Member Scholarship.

“Our industry faces significant change and evolution in the coming years, particularly in light of the demographic shifts expected in the workforce as a result of COVID-19,” added Holek. “This scholarship program provides a connection to students and potential employees, and an opportunity to showcase what great careers are available in our industry. We look forward to seeing this next generation of workers enter the workforce and become the new leaders in our industry.”

The following students received scholarship funding in 2020:

• Bradford White Canada – Holly Padfield, Medicine Hat College
• Federated Insurance – Sean Coey, University of Manitoba
• MASCO Canada – Manuel Lemos, McMaster University
• MCAC Associates Council
  • Makenna Isfjord, University of Manitoba
  • Mina Ariana, BC Institute of Technology

• OS&B
  • Ethan Law, St. Francis Xavier University
  • Braedon Grace, College of the North Atlantic

• Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) – Alisha Suthakaran, McMaster University
• Uponor (Dan Kirkpatrick Scholarship)
  • Makenna Isfjord, University of Manitoba
  • Mia McDonald, Fanshawe College
  • Madison Button, Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Mina Ariana, BC Institute of Technology
  • Holly Padfield, Medicine Hat College

• Women in Mechanical Construction, sponsored by MCAHN
  • Madison Button, Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Mina Ariana, BC Institute of Technology