Developing Talent in Fluid Power Through Internship & Apprenticeship Programs

Written by Haley Nemeth | Oct 30, '25

Work-Based Learning encompasses a variety of programs that allow students to learn about career opportunities and integrate their classroom learning with practical professional experiences. Examples of Work-Based Learning programs include internships and apprenticeships. As defined by the Association for Career and Technical Education, internships allow students to perform substantive work over an extended period for an employer in a real or virtual workplace that aligns with their career plans, and apprenticeships allow students to engage in paid on-the-job learning experiences paired with supplemental classroom instruction.

A Workforce Recruitment Survey conducted in September 2025 found that internships and apprenticeships rank as the #2 and #3 most effective recruitment strategies among NFPA members.

NFPA’s Educator Partners are looking to integrate more employers into their Work-Based Learning programs. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with emerging talent and bring awareness to the fluid power industry.

Through our educator partners, NFPA has a collection of information and contacts to help our members set up Work-Based Learning opportunities with high school, 2-year, and 4-year educational institutions that teach to the Fast Track Hub and Power Partner Fluid Power Core Competencies. NFPA has established strategic partnerships with these schools:

What are some important things we've learned from our educator partners regarding internships and apprenticeships?

Fast Track Hub & Power Partner Schools have departments on campus with dedicated staff to help you set up a work-based learning program and support students throughout the process. Internship and apprenticeship programs are customizable to your needs.
State & Federal funding exists for you to host apprenticeship programs.
Internships and apprenticeships can reduce your staff recruitment costs, while training emerging talent in skills that are specific to the jobs you offer.
High school students, as well as students enrolled in a 2-year, or 4-year institution can be interns and apprentices. Schools will help you comply with associated laws and regulations throughout the program.
Fast Track Hub & Power Partner Schools hold Career Awareness Events, Job Fairs, and other on-campus events to help connect you with prospective interns and apprentices. The NFPA Workforce Staff hosts exclusive member events to support your recruitment needs.

Do you currently have recruiting interests: at these schools, in these states, or for fluid power talent generally?

Join a Workforce Engagement Group (WEG)! NFPA’s WEGs serve as a forum to discuss activities and opportunities designed to connect NFPA members with the Fast Track to Fluid Power and Power Partner programs, giving participating members increased visibility to educational institutions in their region and recruitment opportunities to more successfully interact with students interested in fluid power.

Are you searching for additional exclusive opportunities to recruit emerging fluid power talent?

NFPA gathers student resumes from our partner schools and distributes them to our member companies each month. This program is exclusive to members of our Pascal Society. If your company is a Pascal member and you would like to receive these resumes, please provide the name and email address of the designated contact person at your company to mpluta@nfpa.com. If you are not yet a Pascal member, you can find information on how to join here.

Connect with NFPA Educator Partners and recruit emerging fluid power talent, today! Email workforce@nfpa.com to get started.

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