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Members Workshop

 

 

 

 

Engaging the Future Fluid Power Workforce

Fast Track to Fluid Power

NFPA’s Fast Track to Fluid Power program is a workforce development initiative that connects industry with the next generation of fluid power talent. Through a network of two-year colleges, high schools, middle schools, and NFPA member companies, the program gives students hands-on exposure to fluid power and industry immersion activities, relevant technical education, and direct connections to career opportunities.

These networks, coined Fast Track hubs, are established in seven states across the country.  

For companies looking to build their workforce, each Fast Track hub provides a practical way to engage with students before they enter the workforce and build relationships with potential future employees along the way. NFPA members can participate and increase their company visibility through:

  • Classroom presentations

  • Facility tours

  • Outreach & recruitment events

  • Hands-on design/build activities. 

  • Internships & Apprenticeships
Meet Your Next Hire

Fast Track to Fluid Power Hubs

Click on each college logo below to access the most up-to-date information about events and activities scheduled in each hub.

TRI- C- BENTO -HUBSPOT
Cleveland, Ohio
macomb - bento
Warren, Michigan
hennipin - bento - hubspot
Minneapolis, Minnesota
ncc - bento - hubspot
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
WCTC-Logo-header
Waukesha, Wisconsin
hcc - bento - hubspot
Houston, Texas
triton - bento - hubspt
River Grove, Illinois

How it Works

NFPA members become active partners in developing their local workforce by engaging with students early, helping shape technical education, and providing opportunities that can lead from middle school to careers in the fluid power industry.
 
Middle School: A community-wide Fluid Power Action Challenge introduces students to fluid power through hands-on, team-based activities. Industry partners participate as coaches and judges.

High School: Local high schools use fluid power labs and curriculum to build technical skills and are invited to participate in a local Fluid Power Day to get career advice and learn about job opportunities from NFPA members.

College: A technical or community college that collaborates with NFPA staff to provide NFPA members with opportunities to engage youth, enrolled students, and access apprenticeship, internship or other programs offered through their career services departments. Importantly, the college offers fluid power related degrees and certificates ensuring, students are graduating with the skillsets needed to be successful. 

Six Core Competencies

NFPA members identified the competencies that would like to see in newly graduated 2-year degreed students entering the fluid power industry. Each Fast Track hub has committed to teaching the following learning outcomes so that their students have the ability to:

  • Read circuit diagrams and understand function of components in fluid power systems
  • Determine and perform calculations to move loads in fluid power systems (e.g., torque, speed, power)
  • Specify and size components for fluid power systems (e.g., pumps, valves, cylinders, hoses, filters, reservoirs, accumulators)
  • Analyze and troubleshoot problems with fluid power systems
  • Program and connect electronic controls for fluid power systems
  • Promote safe working conditions with pressurized systems

Additional competencies have been identified involving general electrical/electronics, control systems, and data acquistion. Those can be found on the Curricula and Classroom Content page.

Get Involved

NFPA staff can meet with your company representatives, answer questions, and get your staff team set up to leverage these programs and activities.