b'FUTURE LEADERS ADVISORY COUNCILTraining the next generation of industry leadersWARREN HEELEYA t the Annual Conference in 2023,leadership and networking activities thatHistorythe MCAC Board of Directorswill increase each individuals industryThe establishment of FLAC was actually established a committee called theunderstanding and value to a five-year process. The idea of a program Future Leaders Advisory Council (FLAC)their companies. to prepare young people in the industry to guide the development of future leadersOther mission objectives includeto move into management roles was first of the mechanical contracting industry.opportunities for MCAC memberbrought to MCACs attention in 2019, It was unanimously felt that MCACorganizations to make an investment insaid Getty. A plan for the program was and their provincial groups should havetheir young leaders development throughfinally finished in 2023 and brought to a program to enhance the experience ofeducation and exposure to the industry,the MCAC Board at the 2023aspiring young leaders in the industry asdevelopment of leadership skills, actingAnnual Conference.they work their way into managementas an ambassador for MCAC and theGetty is a strong proponent of the positions in MCAC member companies. industry, and interacting with the MCACprogram and sees the importance of This approach has been used by a numberBoard of Directors on issues of concern tomentoring and educating young people to of construction sector organizations the council. be the next generation of industry leaders. across the country and is seen as settingStructureThe questions that stuck in my mind as the table for the future of the industry.I considered this program were who is It also provides future leaders the chanceThe FLACs main goal is simply togoing to follow in our footsteps and how to learn the value of associations likepromote the mission of the program asis the industry going to prepare for this MCAC as they interact with their peersan ambassador for MCAC. The councileventuality, said Getty.and establish lifelong relationships withis made up of representatives from allHe went on to say, There was a very MCAC members.provincial groups and there is a five- clear focus for the new program: we have member executive committee. The councilto prepare young people for these future Our industry recognizes that preparingholds regularly scheduled meetings and isroles and ensure that these future leaders the next generation of leaders is anresponsible for planning council events,come into an industry that is better than important objective for mechanicalwhich are typically held in conjunctionit was for us.contracting, said Kyle Getty, generalwith other MCA events (i.e., the MCAC/manager of Sutherland-Shultz and MCAO conference, AGM, industry tradeHe then mentioned the importance of the chair of FLAC. This program willshows, etc.). strong support the program received from not only attract young people into theThe council includes officers (athe MCAC Board and staff. We had industry but also help with the current chairperson, vice and secretary/treasurer)so much support for the plan before the manpower shortage. as well as associate members who serveboard meeting in 2023 that, with staff, we The Mission as non-voting members. Members mustwent ahead with planning the first event The FLACs mission is to create anremain an employee of an MCA memberin anticipation of the plans approval.informal communication network amongor industry organization and be 40 years2024 Emergingfuture executives (up to 40 years of age) inof age or younger. New council membersLeaders Conferencethe mechanical construction sector. Thisare appointed by current The first next-generation event, the group will share information and havecouncil members. Emerging Leaders Conference (ELC), was 28 www.mcac.ca'