National Fluid Power Centre: April/May 2026 Update
Over the past two months, the National Fluid Power Centre (NFPC) has continued to support the evolving needs of the fluid power industry through investment, partnership working and specialist training delivery.
Operating as part of the RNN Group, the NFPC delivers specialist training in fluid power, hydraulics, pneumatics and control systems. It works closely with industry to develop and deliver competence-based qualifications aligned to current technologies and workplace demands.
Here’s a look at some of the latest developments.
Continued Growth in Training Demand
NFPC reports sustained demand across its training provision and CETOP Competence Based Qualifications. Repeat business remains strong at around 25 companies per month, alongside continued engagement from new industry partners.
Growth is particularly evident in NFPC Stage 1 Electro-Hydraulics, reflecting a wider industry shift towards integrated systems and increased digital capability. This trend is driven by evolving requirements for managing and maintaining modern fluid power systems.
Digitalisation and Strategic Direction
Digitalisation remains central to NFPC’s long-term strategy, supported by its Advisory & Strategic Planning Committee, which includes more than 60 national and international organisations.
Digital technologies and data-led approaches are being embedded more widely across training delivery. As a result, connected systems, predictive maintenance, and real-time performance insight are becoming increasingly important across the industry.
Investment in Smart Training Systems
NFPC has invested in advanced sensor technology and PLC-controlled training rigs to strengthen practical delivery and system understanding. These platforms enable real-time monitoring of operational performance during training.
Systems now monitor:
- Pressure
- Flow
- Oil temperature
- Oil moisture levels
- Contamination levels
- Pump vibration
- Electrical performance (voltage and current)
By using live operational data, learners gain deeper insight into system behaviour, fault development, and root cause analysis. Predictive maintenance techniques are also embedded into delivery, supporting early identification of potential failures and improved system reliability. This contributes to reduced operating costs, improved efficiency, and stronger sustainability outcomes.
NFPC Industry Exhibition 2026
NFPC will host its Industry Exhibition on 21st October 2026, bringing together organisations from across fluid power, automation, and systems engineering.
Around 300 visitors are expected alongside 50 exhibitors, with only five exhibition spaces remaining. Technical lectures and live demonstrations will run throughout the day, supported by networking opportunities, a buffet lunch, refreshments, and a prize draw.
Running from 9:30am to 3:30pm, the event offers free entry and parking for all visitors. Further details are available at: https://www.nfpc.co.uk/nfpc-industry-open-day-exhibition-2026/
Advanced Apprentice Summer School
NFPC will deliver its Advanced Apprentice Summer School across two weeks in July 2026:
- Week 1: 13th – 17th July 2026
- Week 2: 20th – 24th July 2026
The programme is designed for final-year apprentices preparing to transition into industry roles. It includes hydraulics, electrical and electronic principles, Stage 1 Hydraulics, and the CETOP Level 1 Competence Based Qualification.
Advisory Group and Industry Collaboration
NFPC continues to expand its Advisory & Strategic Planning Group, now comprising more than 60 national and international organisations. HAWE has recently joined the group and contributes within Technical Centre 2.
The next Advisory Group meeting will take place on 9th September 2026 and will be hosted by the JCB Academy.
New Training Programmes and Recruitment
NFPC is developing two new competence-based programmes:
- Hydraulic accumulator maintenance
- Hydraulic hose assembly maintenance and inspection
In addition, a five-day TÜV Certified CFSE (Certified Functional Safety Expert) course is scheduled for the week commencing 8th June 2026.
Following interviews held on 15th May 2026, NFPC will shortly appoint two additional training engineers to support growing delivery demand.