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.
In Illinois, Triton College is NFPA’s Fast Track to Fluid Power Hub. Triton College offers four fluid power related
degrees and certificates through it's Engineering Technology Department:
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Mechanical Design - Associate Degree
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Mechatronics - Associate Degree
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Design - Certificate
- Mechatronics - Certificate
Get Involved with the Triton 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.
Triton College 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.
The next event takes place in spring and is in need of financial and volunteer support. NFPA members are encouraged to attend and serve as judges or lend their technical expertise to competing teams. Your financial sponsorship helps provide the kits, materials, event supplies, meals, awards, and other resources needed to give students an engaging, hands-on experience with our technology.
Workshop Day: Will be conducted at each participating school. NFPA member participation is welcome.
Challenge Day: April 23, 2027 at Ridgewood Community High School
2. Hosted at Triton College, 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. Along with hands-on activities, a key feature of the day is a panel discussion with NFPA member companies who share real-world insights, career stories, and advice to students interested in our industry.
Details: October 16, 2026 from 9 am – 2 pm Central
3. NFPA collaborates with each Fast Track to Fluid Power hub to provide NFPA members with a 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. Triton College is holding it's Fall Career Fair and NFPA members have been invited to exhibit and recruit Triton's students and alumni seeking careers.
Details: October 7, 2026 from 9 am – 2 pm Central
What to expect: $100 registration fee, 6ft table, 2 chairs, refreshments, and lunch for 2
B. Triton College Employer Spotlight Series
Details: Every Thursday during the academic year from 10 am – 1 pm Central
What to expect: Attendees will have an exhibit table to help them recruit Triton students. This is a free program.
C. Present to students enrolled in Triton's dedicated Fluid Power Course
Details: NFPA members can select a Tuesday or Thursday in November 2026 from 9 am – 11 am Central
What to expect: Students learn the laws of fluid power and more through hands-on projects. NFPA members can discuss the projects, career insights, and career opportunities.