NFPA Workforce Staff recently organized an in-person Texas Fast Track Hub Launch Event & Inaugural Workforce Engagement Group (WEG) Meeting at the TX Fast Track Hub Houston Community College (HCC) in Stafford, TX. The September 17th event was attended by NFPA Members from Employee Owned Holdings, Inc., Hydradyne, Hydraquip, Linde Hydraulics, and Womack Machine Supply, as well as students, faculty and staff from HCC.
This event was a celebration of HCC becoming NFPA’s fifth Fast Track Hub. NFPA’s Fast Track to Fluid Power is a workforce development pathway that partners local technical colleges with industry professionals and high school teachers. These networks create awareness and interest in fluid power and train students along a path that leads to careers in fluid power at NFPA member companies. Alongside the Fast Track Hub, a WEG exists specifically to serve members with recruiting needs in Texas. The Texas WEG is designed to bring industry members, HCC faculty, and NFPA’s Workforce Team together to identify and discuss opportunities that connect members with HCC students, and the middle and high schools the feed into the college.
Attendees had the opportunity to:
- Learn about HCC & their Manufacturing Technology Programs
- Meet with HCC Staff and Faculty
- Tour HCC’s Stafford Workforce Campus Building
- Learn about NFPA’s Workforce Development Initiatives
According to NFPA member attendee Patrick Strimple, HR Manager of Employee Owned Holdings, Inc.,
“The partnership between the NFPA and HCC is a remarkable initiative, showcasing a shared commitment to advancing education and workforce development in fluid power technology. HCC’s significant investment in creating a robust fluid power program demonstrates their dedication to equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for this dynamic industry. By fostering student interest and providing cutting-edge resources, this collaboration not only enhances career opportunities but also strengthens the future of the fluid power sector as a whole. Together, they are building a pipeline of talent that will drive innovation and growth.“
Please stay tuned for upcoming developments and opportunities as we work towards developing curriculum and relationships at its feeder schools and connect NFPA members with emerging talent.
To get involved with the Texas Fast Track Hub, please contact Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com. Explore similar opportunities in other Fast Track hub regions by joining a Workforce Engagement Group for the latest updates on recruiting and engaging with emerging talent.
Like this post? Share it!
Recent Posts
Allison Forsythe Speaks About the Value of Participating in Standards Development
We’re excited to share a new onboarding video from Allison Forsythe, your Standards and Program Manager at the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA). In this video, Allison highlights the important work we’re doing in standards development and how you can get involved. At NFPA, we manage both domestic and international standards, including those through the…
Enhance Your 2025 NFPA Annual Conference Experience By Bringing a Guest
2025 NFPA Annual ConferenceFebruary 25-27, 2025Tucson, AZRegistration Now Open The 2025 NFPA Annual Conference is not just about professional growth—it’s an opportunity to connect with your peers, your industry, and even your loved ones. As always, we’re offering an inviting Spouse/Guest Program that encourages you to bring someone special along to share in this experience.…
NFPA Executive Leadership Program Dives into the Art of Negotiation
The NFPA Executive Leadership Program is an in-depth and interactive program that helps emerging leaders in the fluid power industry develop their network and advance their management and leadership skills through tailored content. Its sessions are presented in collaboration with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, with Kellogg faculty helping to curate interactions among…