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 Michigan, Macomb Community College is NFPA’s Fast Track to Fluid Power Hub. Macomb offers 2 fluid power related
degrees and certificates through it's Applied Technology & Skilled Trades Center. Additionally, NFPA awarded Macomb a grant to develop and launch a Fluid Power Certificate Program to support student advancement towards International Fluid Power Society certification.
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Automated Systems Technology - Mechatronics
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Fluid Power Technology
Get Involved with the Macomb Community College 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 Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com to learn more, and get involved.
Macomb 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 Action Challenge will be hosted once again by Peninsular Cylinder this spring, but the event is in need of financial and volunteer support. There are varying levels to choose from ranging from $250 - $2,500 to put tools in students' hands and provide them the early opportunity to begin developing engineering skills. NFPA members are encouraged to attend to serve as judges or lend their technical expertise to competing teams. Your 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: March 11, 2027
Challenge Day: May 25, 2027
2. Hosted at Macomb, 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 share real-world insights, career stories, and advice to students considering a career in our industry.
Details: TBD.
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! Here is what you can expect in the academic year ahead with Macomb:
Fall 2026 Virtual Graduate Career Fair
12/4/26 from 10AM-12PM Eastern, Register Here
Spring 2027 In-Person Job Fair
4/13/27, Time TBD, Learn More Here