Join us on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 for NFPA's outreach & recruitment event at Iowa State University, one of our 13 Power Partner Universities. This exclusive event gives NFPA member companies the opportunity to connect with engineering students interested in careers in fluid power through breakout sessions, networking tabling, and a campus tour. Approximately 80 students are expected to attend, including members of Iowa State's Fluid Power Club and the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge team.
Iowa State University has made significant commitments to expanding fluid power education and preparing students for careers in the industry. Beyond participation in the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge and an active Fluid Power Club, the university continues to grow hands-on learning opportunities throughout its engineering curriculum.
This academic year, Iowa State University received a $2,000 Fluid Power Club stipend award through the NFPA's Tom Wanke Legacy Fund. They were selected to receive this recognition because of the invaluable opportunities Iowa State University provides for students to explore the field of fluid power.
Additionally, last year, Iowa State University’s Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering program was featured for being a leader in fluid power education, featuring advanced labs like the Off-Highway Vehicle Chassis Dynamometer, which tests large vehicles under real-world conditions. The program, led by Professor Brian Steward and taught by Associate Professor Saxon Ryan, combines hands-on training with industry partnerships to solve real-world challenges—like a new sensor system for detecting air in hydraulics. At Iowa State University, students gain practical skills in fluid power, automation, and manufacturing through courses, competitions, and projects, such as a student-built pneumatic clutch system. Industry partners can engage with this program through on-campus recruitment, joint projects, and networking opportunities, helping to shape the future workforce. Read the full article here!
This continued investment demonstrates both strong student interest in fluid power and Iowa State's commitment to increasing the number of graduates equipped with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in the fluid power industry. For NFPA member companies, this event offers an opportunity to meet a pipeline of students who have already been exposed to fluid power technologies and are actively preparing for careers with companies like yours.
Each participating company is encouraged to bring up to two representatives—ideally one HR/recruiting professional and one technical or engineering representative—to maximize student engagement.
Date: October 28, 2026
Time: 2-7PM CT
Register
If you have any questions, please contact Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com. Additional event details will be shared after registration.