Access Emerging Talent this Spring by Utilizing NFPA’s Workforce Development Programs

During the fall semester, we held our second annual Networking Mixer inviting the students and faculty from the 23 universities involved in the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge and Fluid Power Club programs. We also held two industry connection events, the first was with Iowa State University to encourage youth to pursue fluid power careers through a hands-on activity and presentation on the industry and education paths into it. The second was to launch Murray State University as a Power Partner, where we held a reverse career fair, allowing students to present their senior design projects.

For the remaining academic year, we have even more plans underway to provide you with recruitment and youth outreach opportunities.

NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge – Students from 23 universities will compete at two separate competition sites taking place this April. This year features a new “regen” race to demonstrate the potential of stored energy and the regenerative braking capabilities of the fluid power system design. It will be three days of competitive events and social gatherings designed for your company to recruit engineers with hands-on experience in fluid power.

University Industry Connection Events – Attend the launch event for NFPA’s latest Power Partner to get a snapshot of the fluid power industry and the impacts of electrification, NFPA workforce development programs, career opportunities and network to recruit Northern Illinois University and Rockford Valley Community College students. Industry Connection events are targeted, fluid power recruitment and networking events that are conducted on university campuses exclusively for NFPA members.

Attend a middle school Action Challenge event associated with our Fast Track hub schools to increase your company’s visibility in the community and encourage youth to pursue fluid power careers or find an event near you.

Workforce Engagement Groups – Will convene again in-person and virtually in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, or Wisconsin. Join us to learn about our pathway programs and how to best recruit students out of the educational institutions we work with in those regions. The next opportunity is January 27 at Milwaukee School of Engineering in Wisconsin.

Another way to increase your company visibility is to be featured on the blog on our Foundation Site. The blog is intended to help students explore and learn more about fluid power technology and applications, get career inspiration from others in the fluid power industry, and more. We are looking for industry representatives and HR representatives to speak on these topics and how students might pursue a fluid power career path.

More programs and information about opportunities to get involved are posted here. Please contact Stephanie at sscaccianoce@npfa.com if you or anyone else from your company would like to participate in any of these programs or if we can help get you better connected with students and institutions in your community.