Meet a Fluid Power Scholarship Winner—Nolan Jones

The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation has awarded $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing fluid power technology fields of study.

Here’s one of the winners, Nolan Jones. He is attending Spokane Community College in Spokane, Washington, enrolled in the Hydraulic and Pneumatic Automation Technology program. We asked Nolan about winning the scholarship . . .

What does winning this Fluid Power Scholarship mean to you?
Receiving this scholarship from the NFPA is an incredible honor that has strengthened my drive to complete my degree and pursue a career in an industry that has endless opportunities to be successful. I can focus more on my studies rather than trying to come up with tuition. The financial stress created by attending school is a lot and the scholarship will definitely help to lessen that stress.

Why did you choose to learn about fluid power?
I have always enjoyed science and math, especially physics and geometry. That combined with my extensive use of hydraulics during my career in the steel and well drilling industries led me to the conclusion that fluid power was the field of study for me.

What are your career aspirations? What type of fluid power job do you hope to get after you graduate?
My career aspirations are fairly high for a 39 year old, but I believe I can reach them. I would like to get a job that will expose me to more training and opportunities to learn. I would like to experience different facets of the industry in order to help me reach my ultimate goal of spending my golden years as an instructor of fluid power, possibly even at Spokane Community College.

The Foundation’s goal is to help individuals enrolled in high schools, technical colleges, and engineering schools pursue their interests in fluid power. For further information on the scholarships, contact Amy Zignego, Workforce Program Manager, at azignego@nfpa.com.