National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM)

The National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) is a leading institution for part-time study and innovation in the food industry. Located in Holbeach, South Lincolnshire, NCFM is a satellite campus of the University of Lincoln.

NCFM is dedicated to supporting food industry employees in advancing their careers. Understanding the challenges of balancing work, study, and family commitments, NCFM offers part-time apprenticeships and distance learning, allowing flexible study options for those in various roles across the industry.

Programs and Flexibility

The centre provides numerous part-time study options tailored for food industry employees. These programs are designed to accommodate the fast-paced nature of the industry and the students' personal commitments. By offering apprenticeships and distance learning, NCFM ensures that students can continue working while gaining the necessary skills and qualifications to progress in their careers.

Innovation and Industry Collaboration

NCFM is also committed to driving innovation within the sector. The centre collaborates with employers and partners to foster advancements in food manufacturing. This goal is supported by partnerships with leading equipment suppliers and access to state-of-the-art specialist facilities, including a modern food factory and advanced automation technologies.

Flagship New Campus

The new £10m campus, now open for business on the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) in Holbeach, represents a significant investment in the agri-food sector. This multi-million-pound business park offers an ideal location for businesses to grow, supported by NCFM and the wider University of Lincoln. The new campus includes an Innovation Centre with labs, a test kitchen, a sensory suite, teaching rooms, and a Digital Food Manufacturing Technologies Centre, part of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology. These facilities complement the Food Automation, Robotics, and Processing Research Centre on Park Road.

Achievements

The University of Lincoln encompasses NCFM and is recognised in RateMyApprenticeship’s Best 50 Training Providers for 2022-2023. Additionally, Food Sciences at Lincoln is ranked first in the UK for overall student satisfaction, according to the National Student Survey 2022.

“We recognise that the University has a key role to play in helping businesses attract new talent and meet the sector’s challenges through the rapid adoption of robotics and other technologies. These excellent facilities and the wealth of academic and industry expertise available at the NCFM are clearly going to help.”

Professor Val Braybrooks, Dean of the National Centre for Food Manufacturing

Webinars at NCFM

The National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) offers informative webinars to support the food manufacturing sector. These sessions cover various topics, including industry innovations, technological advancements, and best practices in food production. The webinars provide valuable insights from experts and are tailored to help professionals stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the field.

For more details and to access the webinars, visit the NCFM Webinars page.

The National Centre for Food Manufacturing exemplifies excellence in combining education and industry innovation. Through its flexible study programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry partnerships, NCFM remains a pivotal resource for food industry professionals seeking career advancement and businesses striving for innovation.

For more information, visit NCFM at the University of Lincoln and through our video below.