National Fluid Power Centre: June/July 2026 Update
NFPC June/July 2026 Update
Over the past two months, the National Fluid Power Centre (NFPC) has continued to strengthen its support for UK industry through investment in training facilities, expansion of its specialist team and an ongoing focus on workforce competence.
Operating as part of the RNN Group, the NFPC delivers specialist training in fluid power, hydraulics, pneumatics and control systems. Working closely with employers across multiple sectors, the centre develops competence-based qualifications aligned with modern technologies and workplace requirements.
Here’s a look at some of the latest developments.
Competence Remains a Strategic Priority
As the NFPC enters its new business year on 1 August 2026, workforce competence remains a key strategic focus. Employers are being encouraged to ensure engineers working on hydraulic and pneumatic systems have recognised training and demonstrable competence, particularly where evidence may be required following workplace incidents or Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigations.
During June and July, 13 companies enrolled employees on NFPC’s CETOP Competence-Based Qualifications, with 32 qualifications achieved across the period. The continued uptake reflects the growing importance placed on competence across the fluid power industry.
Industry Exhibition Nears Capacity
Preparations continue for the NFPC Industry Exhibition and Open Day on 21 October 2026, with industry interest remaining strong. Forty-eight organisations have already confirmed exhibition space, leaving just two stands available.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet organisations from across the fluid power, automation and engineering sectors while attending technical demonstrations, networking sessions and industry presentations.
Specialist Team Continues to Grow
Lee joins the NFPC as Training Engineer, bringing extensive experience in mobile hydraulic systems and control engineering. His career has included engineering roles with Komatsu UK, Miller UK, Rotork UK, David Brown Santasalo and Acquisition Systems Ltd, where he most recently served as Lead Project Engineer.
Currently undertaking the centre’s internal training programme, he will support the delivery of specialist hydraulic training as demand continues to increase. His appointment brings the NFPC workforce to 16 members of staff.
Practical Training Facilities Expanded
Hands-on learning has been further strengthened through the installation of additional hydraulic equipment supplied by Oilgear. The new pump expands the range of systems available for practical training and competence-based assessment, giving learners greater exposure to real-world pumps and control technologies.
Support from organisations within the NFPC Advisory & Strategic Planning Group has also played an important role in developing the centre’s practical training facilities over recent years, helping to ensure training reflects current industry practice.
Industry Collaboration Continues
Collaboration with industry remains central to the NFPC’s approach. During the period, SCHMERSAL and Ross/Pneumatrol hosted a specialist machine safety seminar at the centre, demonstrating fluid power safety solutions and associated technologies to delegates from across the sector.
The event introduced many first-time visitors to the NFPC’s practical training facilities and specialist learning programmes. Members of the NFPC Advisory & Strategic Planning Group will meet again on 9 September 2026 at the JCB Academy.
Supporting Future Engineers
Representatives from the NFPC attended the JCB Academy Awards on 16 July 2026, where the centre continued its sponsorship of the Post-16 Engineer of the Year Award.
This year’s award was presented to Poppy Hawkins in recognition of her outstanding achievements while studying at the JCB Academy. Poppy plans to pursue a career within the nuclear division of Rolls-Royce.
New Specialist Course Announced
Associate Training Engineer Richard Walker will begin delivering a new one-day Hose Assembly Technology & Maintenance Inspection course. Aimed at end users, the programme covers hydraulic hose inspection, maintenance management, fault diagnosis, rectification, fabrication and installation.
The course has been developed to help organisations improve safety, reliability and maintenance standards across hydraulic systems.
Advisory Member Update
Advisory Group member HAWE Hydraulik UK Ltd has appointed Aran Whitehill to its UK team. Bringing extensive fluid power experience, Aran will support customers nationwide while strengthening relationships with OEMs, distributors and end users as part of the company’s continued investment in technical capability.
Planning Ahead
To help organisations plan future training and manage development budgets, the NFPC has published its full programme of courses, durations and associated costs through to July 2027.
Providing long-term visibility of its training schedule enables employers to plan workforce development in advance while continuing to invest in engineering competence.