Byline: James Foster, Workforce Program Manager
Generating an educated fluid power workforce is a key pillar of NFPA. One of the ways we do that is by connecting educational institutions with NFPA members, who help demonstrate the need for fluid power talent, build awareness about the industry, inspire student interest in the work, and share employment opportunities. An impactful approach to this is utilizing facility tours to engage with students.
Most recently, NFPA member Galland, Henning Nopak, hosted a facility tour for high school students. Becky Renz, the Human Resources/Office Manager, collaborated with NFPA to conduct a tour that connected students with the engineering/operations/supply chain teams, provided a product overview, and walked visitors through the plant operations.
The tour was a success and helped to educate students about the fluid power industry while sharing a “real life” perspective that few students experience.
If your company is interested in hosting a tour, here are some tips to consider:
- Know and prepare talking points for your audience (educators, parents & students)
- Determine tour group sizes in advance
- If possible, be flexible on dates
- Factor in bus parking while the students are on-site
- Be mindful of safety
- Be sure to include your NFPA in the conversations
NFPA promoted the tour opportunity to local teachers in our Fast Track to Fluid Power network. Plus, schools were welcome to apply for a $500 grant to help off-set bus transportation expenses.
If you would like to host your own facility tour, please contact James Foster at jfoster@nfpa.com and we help connect your company with educators and students.
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