NFPA’s Fast Track to Fluid Power is a workforce development pathway that partners local 2-year technical colleges with industry professionals and high school educators. These networks create awareness and interest in fluid power and train students along a path from middle school to college that leads to careers in fluid power at NFPA member companies.
Ten years ago, Waukesha County Technical College became NFPA’s first Fast Track to Fluid Power Hub. WCTC offers four fluid power related
degrees and certificates through it’s School of Applied Technologies:
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Robotics and Automation Engineering Technician
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Industrial Maintenance Technician
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Maintenance Mechanic Technician
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Maintenance Technician Apprentice
Get Involved with the WCTC Fast Track Hub
NFPA members are encouraged to get involved by presenting to students during class, hosting a facility tour, participating in upcoming events, or supporting other workforce activities. These opportunities can be coordinated through NFPA staff. Contact James Foster at jfoster@nfpa.com to learn more, get involved, or join the upcoming virtual Workforce Engagement Group Meeting.
WCTC continues to play an essential role in increasing awareness and preparing students for successful careers in our industry. This academic year NFPA members can get involved by participating in:
1. The Fluid Power Action Challenge - a community-wide competition that tasks middle school students with solving an engineering problem using fluid power. The students work in teams to design and build a fluid power mechanism and compete against other teams at a timed event. This event creates an environment where applied math and science is fun and exciting. NFPA members who serve as sponsors and judges create connections and elevate their company visibility among local schools and families.
In collaboration with Price Engineering, WCTC has helped 1,300+ middle school students explore fluid power over the years. The next event takes place this spring and NFPA members are encouraged to attend to serve as judges or lend their technical expertise to competing teams.
Workshop Day: January 29, 2027
Challenge Day: March 12, 2027
2. Hosted at WCTC, Fluid Power Day is an immersive field trip for high school students to learn about academic pathways, NFPA scholarships, and other resources that support students as they pursue education and careers in fluid power-related industries. A key feature of the day is a panel discussion with NFPA member companies share real-world insights, career stories, and advice to students considering a career in our industry.
Details: February 17, 2027 from 9 am – 2 pm
3. NFPA collaborates with each Fast Track to Fluid Power hub to provide NFPA members with direct recruitment event, speaking opportunity, or information session on how to recruit emerging talent from the 2-year college and in some cases, all of the above! Here is what you can expect in the academic year ahead with WCTC:
A. At this virtual Workforce Engagement Group meeting NFPA members will learn best practices in how to recruit WCTC's students, how to start an apprenticeship at WCTC, and introduce you to WCTC's continuing education program.
Details: September 8, 2026 at 2:30 pm Central
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JXWNoXGiRVG-B9HbaiiGeA
B. WCTC School of Applied Technologies Meet & Greet
Details: October 28, 2026 from 10 am – 2 pm Central
What to expect: Attendees will have a booth to exhibit and connect with students
Thank you, WCTC, for ten great years of dedication, commitment, and partnership. We look forward to collaborating for years to come.