training programs do not always include hydraulics in their curriculum,” Pollander said.“ Many technical schools and colleges shy away from fluid power because teaching it requires large and expensive labs.
“ In addition, many institutions prioritize general courses that cover a wide range of topics, often leaving out fluid power due to its specialized nature,” Pollander added.“ Therefore, it’ s often left to fleets to train the people they hire, and just as with the tech schools and colleges, that kind of program requires time, funding and resources they may not have available.”
From Pollander’ s viewpoint, looking at fluid power training and certification as an expense doesn’ t account for the value that companies can derive. A better investment would be one that covers the cost of training and time spent on courses that may be taken outside of normal operating hours, and one that rewards technicians for achieving certification.
“ Many fleets take that approach for ASE certification of vehicle repair technicians and for specialized skills such as welding,” Pollander said.“ They see how incentives to become certified, including pay raises, bonuses and advancement from apprentice to journeyman to foreman positions, have a payback in technician job satisfaction and retention.”
IFPS is the only organization that provides comprehensive technical training and certification for the fluid power industry. IFPS certification tests provide an objective, third-party assessment of an individual’ s skill level. Current certification offerings include:
• Fluid Power Specialist
• Fluid Power Technician
• Fluid Power Mechanic
• Fluid Power Connector & Conductor
• Fluid Power Engineer
• Fluid Power System Designer
• Accredited Instructor & Job Performance Proctor
October 2024 • www. thepartsconnection. org • 21