This spring, NFPA's Michigan Fast Track Hub Macomb Community College continued its commitment to developing the next generation of fluid power professionals by hosting two key events that brought together educators, industry leaders, students, and community members. A March Workforce Engagement Group (WEG) meeting and a May Discover Fluid Power Day event highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Macomb, the NFPA, and fluid power companies in Michigan.
On March 31st, Macomb Community College welcomed NFPA members FluiDyne Fluid Power, ROSS Controls, and Yates Industries to campus for a Workforce Engagement Group (WEG) meeting focused on workforce development opportunities and the benefits of connecting with MCC students. The meeting provided attendees with insights into Macomb's relevant education programs and ongoing initiatives within the NFPA MI Fast Track Hub.
Fluid Power Instructor Ken Dulinski shared an overview of Macomb's workforce development efforts and the college's role in preparing students for careers in fluid power and advanced manufacturing. A key focus of the discussion was Macomb's Fluid Power Certificate Program, which was developed from an NFPA Fast Track Hub Grant to support student advancement toward International Fluid Power Society certification.
Dulinski also encouraged NFPA members to engage directly with students by attending the May Discover Fluid Power Day event, and serving as guest speakers in Macomb's fluid power courses during both the fall and spring semesters. These on campus connections provide students with valuable industry perspectives while helping employers build relationships with future talent.
Later in the spring, Macomb hosted a Discover Fluid Power Day event on May 14th on their campus in Suburban Detroit. The event welcomed local high school students, families, educators, and community members to explore fluid power technology and learn about career opportunities within the industry.
NFPA member companies were invited to exhibit and engage directly with attendees throughout the evening. The event was designed to introduce students to fluid power applications, showcase career pathways, and strengthen connections between employers and prospective future employees.
Thank you to NFPA members FluiDyne Fluid Power, Hallite Seals, and ROSS Controls for volunteering their time at Macomb Community College’s Discover Fluid Power Day!
Discover Fluid Power Day demonstrated the importance of industry-education partnerships in building awareness of fluid power careers and expanding MI's talent pipeline. By bringing students together with employers, the event helped showcase the variety of opportunities available within the industry and reinforced the value of continued collaboration between educators and NFPA members.
Lindsay Yax, HR Specialist at FluiDyne Fluid Power shared that through the connections available in the MI Fast Track Hub they are "currently partnering with Lisa Phillips [Internship Coordinator at Macomb Community College] to strengthen relationships within the hydraulics community, expand awareness of our organization, and support the development of future industry leaders through internship opportunities."
Through initiatives such as the Workforce Engagement Group and Discover Fluid Power Day, Macomb and NFPA members are helping develop the skilled workforce needed to support the future growth of the fluid power industry in Michigan and beyond.
Events for the 2026-27 academic year are currently in discussion. We look forward to sharing more information soon. Reach out to Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com with questions, or to join the Michigan Workforce Engagement Group to learn more about upcoming events.