KANSAS CITY, MO — The Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Greater Kansas City has launched a special apprenticeship recruitment project, entitled “We Built This City.” The program was released to 80 Mechanical Contractor Association of America (MCAA) affiliates last May.

The program contains a booklet and two CD-ROMs that can be customized for a contractor’s use in his/her local area. The booklet — aimed at high school guidance counselors, students, and their parents — describes the role that plumbers and pipefitters have played in building the infrastructure of Kansas City. It also explains the plumbing and pipefitting occupations, how the apprenticeship program works, and what salaries apprentices can expect to receive.

Bill Heck, chairman of the MCA of Greater Kansas City Education Committee, offered reasons for the program. “We do get a lot of applicants, but many are not qualified because they do not have the math or science background that you need to be a union plumber or pipefitter.” He also said that high school guidance counselors and parents don’t have an understanding of the skill levels required or the career possibilities offered by the mechanical construction industry at the craft level.

Publication date: 09/24/2001