The United Association (UA) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) have announced the creation of the Mechanical Industry Future Leaders Institute, a jointly funded and managed initiative. The associations are designing the new three‐day program to provide leadership education to the future field leaders of the mechanical industry. This joint initiative is a key part of the UA‐MCAA Strategic Planning Committee’s efforts to proactively position the industry for continued success and growth.

This unique program will be held at the UA’s state‐of‐the‐art training facility in Annapolis, Maryland, and the associations plan to launch the first program session this coming fall. Their vision for how the Mechanical Industry Future Leaders Institute will work is laid out below: 

• Candidates will be fourth and fifth year apprentices or journeypersons who graduated from their apprenticeship program within the last five years.
• Candidates will be recommended by their business manager on the basis of their demonstrated leadership, and leadership potential, at the local level.
• The business manager will submit an application and letter of recommendation for each candidate. The business manager must also provide a letter of endorsement from the local affiliated MCAA executive.
• A  joint UA‐MCAA Selection Committee will identify up to 35 candidates best suited to participate in each program session.
• This groundbreaking program will provide extensive training focused on the skills needed to become a successful and productive leader in the mechanical industry. Participants will learn about leadership requirements specific to the industry and will hear from a combination of presenters ranging from the UA, the MCAA, and outside experts in the field of leadership.
• As a direct reflection of the associations' ongoing commitment to promote programs and initiatives that are in the best interest of both labor and management, all costs associated with the initial three‐day program will be borne jointly by the UA and the MCAA. The associations believe it is critical that they do all they can to equip future leaders with the skills they will need to meet the challenges of the ever‐evolving industry.  

The associations believe the UA consists of extremely talented individuals who will greatly benefit from this program. They also believe the industry has a responsibility to provide as much education as possible to future leaders. And, they believe that providing future leaders the education they need to be successful is the joint responsibility of labor and management.

The associations know the Mechanical Industry Future Leaders Institute will be viewed by the entire construction industry as a shining example of what labor and management can achieve when they work together and prepare for a better future. They look forward to sharing more in the coming months about this exciting new joint program.