The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) congratulates Kimberly Sikkema, one of the two recipients of the Alan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship. The Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey established the scholarships to honor the memory of Alan O’Shea, its former executive director, and memorialize his many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry.

Sikkema is a sophomore from Ferris State University earning her degree in HVACR. She explained why she was drawn towards a career in the mechanical contracting industry: “I see the growth and demand that is needed in the industry, both now and in the future. I am also looking forward to every day being a different learning experience that will expand my knowledge within the industry.”

Sikkema is the president of her student chapter, which she joined in 2018. Last year, she had the opportunity to attend the 2019 GreatFutures Forum.

"MCAA has given me the opportunity to go on trips and be able to network with mechanical contractors within the industry, as well as receive a better understanding of the opportunities that are available working for a mechanical contractor," Sikkema said. 

For example, Sikkema was able to gain experience in the Johnson Controls PCT software, as well as connecting PCG controllers to HVAC units and commissioning them as part of an internship.

“Once I graduate, I look forward to pursuing my career that I worked so hard for in college. I look forward to seeing the wide variety of opportunities that are out there in the world for me as a woman in the HVAC/R industry. Most of all, I look forward to expanding my knowledge by facing new obstacles every day, receiving more hands-on learning out in the field, as well as learning more from experienced, skilled individuals,” she said. 

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Sikkema on this distinguished scholarship and thank the MCA of New Jersey for funding this scholarship to support younger students and keep them invested in the mechanical contracting industry.