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.
Our most recent addition to the Fast Track to Fluid Power program is Hennepin Technical College. Hennepin Tech students an earn a variety of credentials including certificates, diplomas, and Associates of Applied Science degrees in both Fluid Power, Hydraulic Engineering and Pneumatic Engineering. Hennepin Tech maintains strong partnerships with area high schools, offering dual enrollment and articulated courses that introduce students to careers in manufacturing, engineering, and motion control. Hennepin Tech has two campuses, Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park, that are committed to the inclusion of fluid power industry approved learning objectives through their Fluid Power and Motion Control program coursework. The upcoming activities listed below will be centered around the Brooklyn Park campus.
Get Involved with the Hennepin Technical College Fast Track Hub
When NFPA launches a new Fast Track hub, it is critical that NFPA members get involved to share insights as industry experts and local employers and to demonstrate to the middle school, high school and college stakeholders all that the industry has to offer students in terms of rewarding careers. 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 Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com to learn more, get involved.
Planning is underway for events and activities in the upcoming year and 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. Your sponsorship helps provide the kits, materials, event supplies, awards, and other resources needed to give students an engaging, hands-on experience with our technology.
The event is in need of financial support and volunteer support and NFPA members who serve as hosts, sponsors, and judges, lend their technical expertise to competing teams, create connections and elevate their company visibility among local schools and families. Your sponsorship helps provide the kits, materials, event supplies, awards, and other resources needed to give students an engaging, hands-on experience with our technology.
Details: Spring, 2027
2. Hosted at Hennepin Tech for the first time, Fluid Power Day will be 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 who will share real-world insights, career stories, and advice about considering a career in our industry.
Details: October, 2026
3. NFPA collaborates with each Fast Track to Fluid Power hub to provide NFPA members with direct recruitment events, speaking opportunities, or information session on how to recruit emerging talent from the 2-year college, and in some cases, all of the above!
Join the Workforce Engagement Group Meeting
Details: January, 2027
What to expect: As a first step in the launching as a Fast track to Fluid Power hub, Hennepin Tech is seeking feedback from NFPA members existing programs and equipment prior to applying for a grant to upgrade their labs. A facility tour and lunch will be provided.