been able to source instructors and other courses to meet the training demands of our membership. However, as important as those courses are to our yearly training plan, there is need for “soft skill” courses as well – supervisory, financial planning, etc., which is where the education arm of MCA Canada has stepped in. In 1998, the Canadian Mechanical Contracting Education Foun- dation (CMCEF) was created upon the recommendation of an Education Task Force in its report to the Board of MCA Canada. It was a major component in the industry’s strategic response to the findings and recommendations of the Pipe Trades National Human Resources Needs Analysis. At the time, the industry had been challenged by a great deal in a short period of time. Slow recovery in an uncertain economic cli- mate had given rise to irrational competition, where poor estimat- ing and under-bidding resulted in financial distress for individual companies. With that, market conditions for the entire industry had been undermined. Compounding the problem was rapid techno- logical change, making it difficult for companies to maintain the capability to access and utilize newer materials, applications and systems. Based on the findings of a national survey and contractor focus groups, MCAC’s Educational Task Force determined that continu- ous, “lifelong” learning and skills upgrading, with a focus on new management techniques and procedures, were essential for the future of the industry. The Foundation was challenged with a four-dimensional mandate: •  To promote the concept of continuous career education and facilitate distance learning through electronic program delivery. •  To assist contractors in selecting the most convenient, cost- effective, best value training, relevant to their particular needs, by creating a national inventory and calendar of available course providers, evaluated and “Gold Seal” recognized. •  To develop programs where subject or regional voids are apparent. •  To promote the more technological, professional image of today’s modern mechanical contracting industry through part- nerships with high schools, colleges and universities, attracting the brightest and best students to careers in the industry. INDUSTRY SUPPORT Industry members – many of whom are Saskatchewan-based mechanical contractors – supported the Foundation, providing $1.2 million in donations. This money remains held in trust with the interest aiding in the development and delivery of new education. In October 2014, the CMCEF was legally dissolved as a separate Not-for-Profit Organization and became the Construction Education Council (CEC) within MCA Canada. The Council’s main objective was to bring ownership of the Council closer to the Provincial and Affiliate MCAs, increasing membership participation in education. CEC’s primary role was adjusted slightly to assess the education and training needs of the industry and deliver programs to meet those needs. PROMOTING THE TRADE While the bulk of the training offered by MCAS, and, by extension, CEC, is directed at journeypersons already working in the trades, the Association also works to promote the trades as a viable career choice. Through the years MCAS has participated in career fairs, and with changing technologies, MCAS volunteers have been able to spark interest in the mechanical trades with young students. In addition, MCAS annually awards the Mechanical Trades Schol- arship at the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Awards, and since 2003 has partnered with POW City Mechanical to offer the Ralph Schuler Memorial Scholarship to deserving third- and fourth-year apprentices attending Saskatchewan Polytechnic. In partnership with MCA Canada’s Associate members, CEC oversees the Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series, which continues to grow and is now over $20,000. In 2018, 14 students from across the country benefited from the program. Tania Johnston, Executive Director of Education and Special Projects with MCA Canada, describes the value of the partnership between CEC and MCAS: “MCA Saskatchewan has always been very support- ive of education partnerships with CEC. In addition to single-day courses, we have hosted two national education conferences, one focusing on middle management training and the other a sold-out estimating program. MCAS has also been extremely supportive in making annual contributions to CEC through fundraising at their golf tournaments.” This continued support of education will only mean bigger and bet- ter things for the industry and the province. Onward and upward. 27 A Century in Review MCAS EDUCATION A high-efficiency water heater for any high-volume job. A. O. Smith offers a range of high-efficiency commercial water heaters that can help save on energy costs and still deliver the reliable, powerful performance needed to serve any commercial application—even when the odds might seem stacked against it. To find out more visit hotwatercanada.ca