The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCA Canada) awarded nearly $30,000 in financial assistance to post-secondary students in 2022 via its Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series.

"The Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series represents an extremely important initiative for our sector and our members,” said MCA Canada President and Chair Derek Ermen. "Supporting the future leaders in our industry is paramount, particularly as we grapple with retirements and skilled worker shortages across the country. This year’s financial assistance total is our largest to date, and it showcases the industry’s ongoing commitment to the next generation.”

The Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series, named in honour of past-CEO Richard McKeagan, is supported by MCAC Associate Members and MCA partners from across Canada who provide the funding for the program and the various scholarships offered.

Since its launch in 2006, the scholarship series has awarded more than $100,000 to deserving post-secondary students.

The association says there have also been instances where students have gone on to work for those companies that supported their education through the scholarship program.

In addition to students in the mechanical field of study, scholarships are also offered to include several new categories, including sustainable development, women in the mechanical field, and indigenous students.

This year, scholarships were available through the following MCAC Associate Members and MCA partners: Bradford White Canada, EquipCo Ltd., Federated Insurance, Masco/Delta, MCA Hamilton-Niagara, Mitsubishi Electric Heating & Cooling, OS&B, Palser Enterprises, Reliance Worldwide, ServcoCanada, Taco Comfort Solutions, Uponor, Watts Water Technologies, the Women in Mechanical Construction Initiative, and the broader Associate Membership of MCA Canada, which funds a single MCAC Associate Member Scholarship.

"As an industry, we are fortunate to have so many firms who step up to the plate year after year to support this scholarship program,” Ermen added. "As the program continues to grow, it is great to see this ongoing support."