EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced that it will be a major sponsor of an initiative by the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) to develop industry certifications for electronic control technologies in fluid power. In support of these new certifications Eaton will develop and offer a series of training programs for students seeking certification, according to Eaton.

The initiative, announced by IFPS Executive Director Donna Pollander, was defined during an electronics certification scope meeting at the Milwaukee School Of Engineering in which Eaton participated.

"As those who work in the fluid power industry know,” Pollander said, “electronics has become the preeminent control medium for fluid power. The IFPS is working with a cross-industry advisory committee in developing our electronics certification program to verify the higher competencies associated with the successful application of these controls.”

Students can become a Certified Fluid Power Electronics Specialist (CFPES), a Certified Fluid Power Electronics Industrial Technician (CFPIET) or a Certified Fluid Power Electronics Mobile Technician (CFPMET).

A.J. Smith, Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations product manager for electronics, said the new certification and Eaton’s training program will help fill a growing need for employees with skills covering both fluid power and electronic control technologies. “Programs like this make it very clear that electronics and fluid power are not, and never have been, mutually exclusive career choices.”

“This industry initiative mirrors Eaton’s ongoing commitment to training in both fluid power and electronic controls,” added Eaton’s Tom Blansett, manager of training services. “We have developed a very well-received program with the Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria, Minn., that improves the skills of individuals who already are pursuing careers in fluid power, training them to use the advanced electronic tools that exist today. Program graduates receive Eaton’s CONTROL F(x) Certification from Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations Training Services Department.”

"Interest in fluid power certification training and testing through the IFPS has never been stronger,” Pollander added. “We are very pleased that Eaton has taken a leadership role in developing its own training programs. That experience can only strengthen the IFPS program."