The First of Many Recruitment Events with NIU was a Success! 

Byline: Kyla Olson, Workforce Program and Event Manager

Last month, NFPA hosted a recruitment event with Northern Illinois University (NIU) at Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL. NFPA member companies had the opportunity to meet with several NIU Engineering students as well as attend an informative presentation by NFPA President/CEO, Eric Lanke.

The event was a success with several NIU engineering students including members of the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge Team and Fluid Power Club on campus networking with NFPA member companies. Following the career fair, Eric Lanke spoke on the several opportunities that fluid power provides and the importance of the industry. The discussion was focused on the various industries that require fluid power, the expansive work opportunities that are available, and the growing use of electrification within the field. We then concluded the event with a networking luncheon for all.

One of the goals with the Power Partner program is to create targeted, fluid power specific, recruitment sessions for NFPA members on university campuses so that they can engage with students that either have knowledge in fluid power or an interest in pursuing a career in the industry.

Industry members in attendance said that the event “wasn’t so overwhelming which made all students able to meet with each table” and that “there were great candidates and because of that we are looking into starting an internship program.”

This past fall, NFPA welcomed NIU as our latest Power Partner University, and we look forward to hosting a regular cadence of recruitment and engagement events that will be held with NIU for years to come. If you are interested in attending future events with NIU or would like to learn more about engaging with students and faculty at NFPA’ s Power Partner Universities, reach out to Kyla Olson at kolson@nfpa.com.