The goal of Dakota Fluid Power’s growFLUID program, is to provide an opportunity for high school & post-secondary students to learn about and experience Fluid Power Technology. Dakota Fluid Power offers high school and post-secondary students hands on training through an internship program. DFP also has scholarship programs to accredited Fluid Power technical schools, with a job opportunity upon completion of technical degree. It is DFP’s goal to grow our own through these amazing opportunities. Interested in job shadowing opportunities, company tours or want more information on our internships, scholarship program or tuition reimbursement? Email hr@dakotafluidpower.com or call 605-338-9982.

What is Fluid Power?
Fluid Power is the technology of controlling (motion control) and applying smooth, effective power of hydraulics or pneumatics to push, pull, rotate, regulate or drive virtually all of the mechanisms of modern world. Thousands of employers throughout the United States require expertise in:
  • Designing fluid power systems.
  • Installing fluid power systems and components, such as pumps, motors, compressors, valves, cylinders and accessories.
  • Operating fluid power systems and their machines.
  • Troubleshooting and maintaining fluid power systems on such equipment as industrial machines, construction and agricultural machines, airplanes, ships, over-the-road vehicles and material handling devices.
  • Testing and manufacturing fluid power systems and components.
  • Conducting research on new concepts, applications and improvements of fluid power systems.
  • Manufacturing components and systems.
  • Marketing and selling fluid power systems, and working closely with customers of fluid power manufacturers and distributors.
Fluid Power is behind the scenes in many industries. Just to name a few:
  • Automation
  • Energy
  • Mining
  • Agriculture
  • Forestry
  • Recreation
  • Construction
Internship Apprentice Program
WHO? WHAT? Where?
Dakota Fluid Power... you know, the business that sells and services hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical components and equipment for various applications. DFP has branch locations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

THE BIG WHY?
Our question would be, WHY NOT? Dakota Fluid Power employs technicians, technical sales, outside sales, engineers, welders, machinists, service coordinators, system designers and assemblers just to name a few in industries ranging from Construction, Ag, Mining, Oil/Gas, Wind, On & Off Highway, Municipalities, Utility Work, Waste, Forestry and Railroad. WAIT! THERE IS MORE! Dakota Fluid Power also offers all employees opportunities for continued training through our DFP University! Are you saying WHY NOT yet?

THE EXPERIENCE
At Dakota Fluid Power, you will experience working with great people on equipment that is high-tech in our two-year program. In your first year, you will be exposed to 10 weeks of job shadowing the different areas of DFP including state of the art hydraulics, customer interaction and critical thinking hydraulic projects. Our intentions are to develop future Certified Fluid Power Experts that possess critical thinking, problem-solving, communications, and interpersonal skills. In your second year, you will be assigned a mentor who is knowledgeable in the company and an expert in fluid power technology.

FIELD DAY TOUR:
So you are interested in finding out more? GREAT! Let’s schedule a field day tour for you and/or your class. During this tour, you will get to see, first hand, the many roles at DFP along with an overview of our capabilities and divisions.

Internship Inquiry:
DFP offers many opportunities for internships at all of our branch locations for various positions and interests. For more information or to apply:

 DFP Internship Flyer PDF
 DFP Internship Application PDF
Scholarship Program
Program Objective:
Dakota Fluid Power, Inc. will be awarding three (3) $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a 2-year degree in a fluid power/mechatronics program or a related/relevant field of study at the following schools.
  • Minnesota West Community College - Granite Falls, MN
  • Minnesota West Community College - Worthington, MN
  • Alexandria Tech College - Alexandria, MN
  • Hennepin Tech College - Brooklyn Park, MN
  • Hennepin Tech College - Eden Prairie, MN
  • Lake Area Technical Institute - Watertown, SD
  • Southeast Technical Institute - Sioux Falls, SD
  • Other accredited schools may be accepted upon request
As a student, you will be provided an opportunity to attend an accredited school supporting a career in the Fluid Power Industry.

Requirements:
  • Complete scholarship application received by April 30th.
    • High School or College Transcript (whichever applies).
    • Work History (if applicable).
    • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation.
  • DFP growFLUID Scholarship Committee will review the top candidates and choose the scholarship recipients.
  • Scholarship winners will be notified by May 30th.
How To Apply:
Fill out an application and return to: 
  • Apply Online
  • Mail To: Dakota Fluid Power, Inc. Attn: Human Resources 3409 N. Lewis Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104
  • Email: hr@dakotafluidpower.com


 DFP Scholarship Flyer PDF
 DFP Scholarship Application PDF
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Program Objective:
Dakota Fluid Power, Inc. provides Fluid Power Tuition Reimbursement for new employees who have attended and completed a degree or certification at the following schools within 6 months of hire date.
  • Minnesota West Community College - Granite Falls, MN
  • Minnesota West Community College - Worthington, MN
  • Alexandria Tech College - Alexandria, MN
  • Hennepin Tech College - Brooklyn Park, MN
  • Hennepin Tech College - Eden Prairie, MN
  • Lake Area Technical Institute - Watertown, SD
  • Southeast Technical Institute - Sioux Falls, SD
  • Other accredited schools may be accepted upon request
Requirements for Tuition Reimbursement:
  • Attend one (1) of the schools listed above or a DFP Manager approved accredited school.
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA (an official copy of grades provided to Human Resources).
  • Maintain a good attendance record while attending school.
  • Full-time employment with Dakota Fluid Power.
  • A signed contract for tuition reimbursement, outlining guidelines for reimbursement policy.
Reimbursement Process:
Dakota Fluid Power, Inc. will reimburse a student/employee up to $1,200 of his/her tuition expenses upon completion of one year of employment and annually thereafter for up to five years to be paid upon their anniversary date. (Up to $6,000 total)

To Apply:
 DFP Tuition Reimbursement Flyer PDF
Certification Reimbursement Program
Program Objective:
Dakota Fluid Power, Inc. provides Certification Reimbursement for existing employees who have recently completed a Fluid Power certification program of his/her choice through the International Fluid Power Society and received a passing grade.

Requirements for Certification Reimbursement:
  • Complete a Fluid Power certification program of your choice through the International Fluid Power Society and receive a passing grade.
  • Provide copy of certification.
  • Full-time employment with Dakota Fluid Power.
  • Maintain a good attendance record while at Dakota Fluid Power.
  • Signed Certfication Reimbursement Agreement.
Reimbursement Process:
Dakota Fluid Power, Inc. will reimburse an employee the final testing fee and up to $300 upon completion of one year of employment and annually thereafter for up to five years to be paid upon their anniversary date. (Up to $1,500 total)

To Apply:
 DFP Certification Reimbursement Flyer PDF
2020 Scholarship Winners


Attending: Alexandria Technical & Community College
Degree: Mechatronics
Year in School: 2nd Year
Austin recently completed a 3rd summer internship at our Aberdeen, SD branch.
2019 Scholarship Winners


Attending: Alexandria Technical & Community College
Degree: Mechatronics
Year in School: 1st Year
Austin recently completed a 2nd summer internship at our Aberdeen, SD branch.
2016 Scholarship Winners


Attending: Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Degree: Fluid Power Technology
Year in School: 2nd Year
Tony currently works seasonal part time at our Sioux Falls, SD branch.
   

Attending: Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Degree: Fluid Power Technology
Year in School: 2nd Year
Madolyn recently completed a summer internship at our Aberdeen, SD branch.
   

Attending: South Dakota State University
Degree: Mechanical Engineering
Year in School: 1st Year
Caleb currently works seasonal part time at our Sioux Falls, SD branch.


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International Fluid Power SocietyThe International Fluid Power Society will globally pursue and promote the application of Fluid Power technology through certification, standardization and education essential to professional growth.
Equipment Service AssociationESA membership consists of businesses who are substantially engaged in sales or service of hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically operated tools, components and equipment.
Fluid Power Distributors AssociationFPDA is the professional network for fluid power, automation and motion technology providers dedicated to significantly enhancing member and channel performance by delivering indispensable networking, education and success strategies.
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