NFPA Texas Workforce Engagement Group Celebrates Partnership with Houston Community College

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.