NFPA Michigan Workforce Engagement Group Convenes to Discuss 2024-25 Events and Opportunities

On September 12th, NFPA Workforce Staff hosted a virtual Michigan Workforce Engagement Group meeting. Attendees learned about how NFPA members can get involved with workforce development initiatives in and around the Fast Track Hub at Macomb Community College in Suburban Detroit.

Below is a list of exciting ongoing opportunities and events to engage with and increase your visibility to students and educators surrounding the Fast Track Hub MI:

• NFPA Opportunities:
  • Participate in NFPA’s Speaker’s Bureau
    • The Speaker’s Bureau is an opportunity to inspire and excite students about career opportunities in the fluid power industry.
      • Current Opportunities:
        • Macomb Intermediate School District High Schools
        • Ken Dulinski’s hydraulics and pneumatics students at Macomb Community College
  • Host a Facility Tour for Students
    • Facility tours are an engaging way for students to learn about your company’s day-to-day environment and about what careers are available in the fluid power industry.  
  • Engage with the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge (FPVC)
    • April 9-11 at IMI plc in Illinois
    • April 23-25 at Danfoss in Iowa
    • April 30-May 2 at IFP Motion Solutions Inc. in Iowa
    • The FPVC is an undergraduate program that requires engineering students to redesign a traditional bicycle using hydraulics as power transmission as a senior capstone design project or as an extracurricular activity. NFPA members serve as mentors and judges to guide the students in their learning.

• Macomb Intermediate School District Opportunities:
  • Attend a High School Advisory Meeting
    • November 7th from 5:30-7:30PM Eastern Time
    • Romeo High School is seeking fluid power industry members to attend a dinner and advisory session.
  • Engage with the Early College of Macomb Program
    • High School students have the opportunity to enter a fast track to higher education and the workforce. Host an Early College student as an intern or for a shadow to inspire and excite students about career opportunities in the fluid power industry at your company.

• Macomb Community College Opportunities:
  • Attend the Upcoming Virtual Job Fair
    • Thursday, December 5 from 1-3PM ET
    • This job fair event for recent and soon-to-be graduates is an opportunity for students to network with local employers looking to hire Macomb Community College graduates. You will be able to meet potential candidates and promote your open positions.
    • Save the Date! Job Fair 2025 will take place on Tuesday, April 22.
  • Hire an Intern through Macomb Community College
    • Internship experiences integrate classroom learning with practical professional experience. Students gain experience and transferable skills while learning about a prospective career, while employers have an opportunity see an early return on investment by developing future employees within your organizational culture and ultimately reducing recruiting, training, and orientation costs if you hire your intern full-time.

If you’re interested in getting involved with any of these events and opportunities in and around the Michigan Fast Track Hub, please reach out to Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com.

Similar activities are taking place in the other Fast Track hub regions. Click here to join a Workforce Engagement Group to stay informed of the latest opportunities to recruit and engage with emerging talent in these regions.