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 Texas, Houston City College (HCC) is NFPA’s Fast Track to Fluid Power Hub. HCC offers the fluid power related
Get Involved with the Houston City 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 Erin Bauer at ebauer@nfpa.com to learn more, get involved, or join upcoming virtual Workforce Engagement Group Meetings.
HCC 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. Hosted at HCC's Stafford Campus, Fluid Power Day is an immersive experience for students to learn about fluid power, NFPA scholarships, and other resources that support their education and interest to pursue careers in fluid power-related industries. Along with opportunities to directly engage and network with industry professionals, 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. NFPA members are also invited to tour HCC's labs and facilities during the event.
Save the Date: October 13th from 12pm - 3pm Central (Details coming soon)
2. NFPA collaborates with local community organizations raise awareness of fluid power technology and career paths among the populations they serve. This November, NFPA members can volunteer at the "Girls in STEM" Event this November with Girlstart! This event is a one-day conference for 4th - 8th grade girls to explore STEM fields and participate in workshops. Girlstart purchased hands-on classroom kits using an NFPA grant and this event features three workshops to introduce fluid power fundamentals. NFPA members are invited to volunteer as presenters and assist with the workshops and kit building activities.
Details: November 14 from 10 am - 3 pm (CT) at Alief Taylor High School, Houston, TX
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! HCC has planned 18 career fairs for the upcoming academic year and encourages NFPA member companies to participate:
4. In a recent webinar, James Mable, Director, Alumni Affairs, Career & Transfer Services presented information for NFPA members about how employers can post Co-ops, Internships, and Full-Time positions for HCC's students to explore on HCC's Career Hub. This platform allows employers to register for career fairs, information sessions, and on campus interviews with students. Employers are also encouraged to host company-specific events! (Note: the previously stated time for the October 13 Fluid Power Day "Save the Date" has been updated)