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 Ohio, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) is NFPA’s Fast Track to Fluid Power Hub. Tri-C has four fluid power related degrees through it's Integrated Systems Engineering Technology program coursework offered through it's School of Advanced Manufacturing. Additionally, NFPA awarded Tri-C a grant to purchase equipment, software, simulation tools, certification licenses, and instructional resources needed to establish a new fluid power laboratory at the Westshore Campus to increase the number of students able to pursue quality fluid power education.
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Integrated Digital Manufacturing Engineering Technical Degree
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Industrial Maintenance Technology
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Smart Manufacturing
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
Get Involved with the Tri-C 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.
Tri-C 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 hosts, sponsors and judges create connections and elevate their company visibility among local schools and families.
Building off of momentum from the last school year, the middle schools are interested in returning to compete in spring. The event is in need of a co-host, financial support, and volunteer support. NFPA members are encouraged to provide volunteers who serve as judges or lend their technical expertise to competing teams. 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.
2. Hosted at Tri-C 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: November 18, 2026 from 9 am – 2 pm Central
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 this academic year with Tri-C
Join the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Computer Science Advisory Committee
What to expect: Tri-C needs NFPA members to join the Advisory Committee to collaborate and provide feedback on curriculum, equipment, and other programs, as well as share insights as industry experts and local employers.
Contact: Dean, Ray Nejadfard to participate and learn more.
Learn more about the Advisory Committee