Purdue University Brings Students to NFPA Members

Programs like the Power Partner University Program are made possible in part by the generous support of industry volunteers as well as NFPA Education and Technology Foundation and Pascal Society donors. Support these efforts by making a donation.

As NFPA’s first named Power Partner, Purdue University has consistently participated in all educational activities associated with the NFPA’s workforce development programs. One of these activities includes participating in the NFPA Speaker’s Bureau program, which works to connect students to industry professionals through presentations about companies, fluid power technologies, and career opportunities. These presentations serve as great opportunities to educate and excite students about careers in fluid power as well as assist companies with their recruitment efforts.

Dr. Jose Garcia-Bravo, Assistant Professor with the School of Engineering Technology, worked in close partnership with NFPA to facilitate these efforts for students. As a result, two informational fluid power career sessions were able to take place this year.  

In September 2020, NFPA and Purdue University conducted the first-ever Meet the Students/Industry Connection Event. Students enrolled in Purdue University’s Mechanical, Electrical and Computer Engineering degree programs were invited to participate. Ten NFPA member companies attended and presented about their companies: Danfoss, Eaton, Employee Owned Holdings, Inc., HYDAC, National Tube Supply, Parker Hannifin, Proportion Air, Sun Hydraulics, SunSource and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. Approximately 70+ students attended. After the event, students’ resumes were shared with the companies.

In March 2021, Mary Lekan and Trent Tegg of Applied Fluid Power presented to three Purdue University fluid power classes about technologies, industrial distribution, company culture, internships and full-time job opportunities. Approximately 50+ students attended. It was both an informational and engaging event.

We thank Dr. Jose Garcia-Bravo, Purdue University faculty and students, and all NFPA member company representatives who participated in these events. These events have proven to be valuable for both students who are curious about the fluid power job market and for the companies looking to hire them. We know that at least ten NFPA member companies have hired a Purdue University student within the last year. Purdue graduates receive a top-notch education in fluid power and prove to be stellar employees.

We will plan more of these events in the coming school year. If your company would like to get connected to students through NFPA’s workforce development efforts, please contact Amy Zignego at azignego@nfpa.com to learn more.