Fast Track

NFPA’s Fast Track to fluid power, is a workforce development pathway that partners local technical colleges with industry partners and high school teachers. This network will create awareness and interest in fluid power and train students along a path that leads to careers in fluid power at NFPA member companies. 

A technical or community college with a validated fluid power and mechatronics degree program. Industry partners provide on-going curriculum guidance and student internship opportunities.
A ring of high schools, each equipped with fluid power lab equipment and curriculum. Industry partners visit frequently and provide mentorship and career encouragement.
A community-wide Fluid Power Action Challenge, engaging thousands of middle school students in learning about and having fun with fluid power. Industry partners serve as coaches/judges.

A network of industry partners, with facilities near the community is essential to getting students on the path to a career in the fluid power industry. Fast Track is an opportunity for NFPA members to have a direct connection to their future workforce. For more information, contact Lynn Beyer, Vice President of Workforce Development Programs. 

By definition, a Fast Track Hub school is one that NFPA has verified is teaching a fluid power and applied mechatronics curriculum which incorporates at least the following learning outcomes: 

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