Flour Milling Training

Distance Learning Programme

Course Guide 2018-19

www.nabim.org.uk www.nabimtraining.com
 Contents
Course Guide 2018-2019
Page
Welcome 3 nabim
Seven Modules 4 21 Arlington Street
Qualifications 5 London
Course Enrolment 6 SW1A 1RN
Lessons and Workbooks 7
Tutors and Mentors 8 www.nabim.org.uk
Other Resources 9 www.nabimtraining.com
Examinations 10
Module 1 12
Module 2 13
Module 3 14
Module 4 15
Module 5 16
Module 6 17
Module 7 18
Timetable 19

For many decades nabim has run flour milling correspondence courses
for students across the world. nabim has always been aware of the need
to review its training on a regular basis and make improvements as and
when appropriate. As such, the distance learning programme has evolved
into the leading industry standard it is today.
2
 Contact us...
Welcome Tel:
Fax:
+44 (0)20 7493 2521
+44 (0)20 7493 6785
to nabim training E-mail: info@nabim.org.uk

Welcome “nabim provides a variety of training

resources that millers need to develop
their employees, to the benefit of
nabim is the trade association and industry training organisation for the
individuals, company, cereals supply
UK flour milling industry. Each year we run our modular correspondence
chain and the final consumer. I com-
courses to provide millers with an essential knowledge and understanding
mend to you our distance learning
of the flour milling industry.
programme as the means to gaining
key knowledge and understanding of
Each year the courses are studied by hundreds of students from around
the milling process and industry.”
the world and lead to the nabim Advanced Certificate in Flour Milling.
Nigel Bennett,
For each module, students are allocated a tutor to whom they submit
Secretary,
work throughout the course year. The tutors are all experienced in the
nabim, 21 Arlington Street, London.
operation and management of flour mills, providing students with expert
assistance in their training.

Should you require any further information or assistance, please email

us at info@nabim.org.uk or visit our training website,
www.nabimtraining.com.

Increase your potential

The courses are an excellent training programme for those new to
the industry, an indispensable tool for developing the skills of the
competent miller and valuable refresher training. The programme is
designed and delivered by millers for millers. 3
 Seven Modules
Developed and Delivered by Millers for Millers
The nabim Flour Milling Training Programme is structured into seven
modules, providing a flexible training package that covers the full
Flexible Training
spectrum of milling subjects.
The modules may be studied in
1 – Safety, Health and Hygiene any order and in any combination;
students are not required to have any
2 – Wheat and the Screenroom previous qualifications. Students are
encouraged to study between 1 and
3 – Mill Processes and Performance
3 modules in their first year (approx
4 – Product Handling, Storage and Distribution 12 hours minimum study time per
module).
5 – Flour
Detailed information about each of the
6 – Power and Automation modules and the subjects they cover can
be found on pages 11-18.
7 – Flour Milling Management
Details of our programme’s tutor support
and the role of the mentor can also be
found on page 8.

Did You Know ?

Recently successful students have come from far and wide,
including: Australia, Belize, Canada, Denmark, England, Fiji,
Ghana ... Malaysia, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Portugal ... UAE
4 and Zambia
 Contact us...
Qualifications Tel:
Fax:
+44 (0)20 7493 2521
+44 (0)20 7493 6785
nabim Certificates and Medals E-mail: info@nabim.org.uk

nabim awards a Record of Achievement to students on passing individual

modules. In addition nabim also awards two certificates:

● The Intermediate Certificate on passing modules 1, 2, 3 and 4.

● The Advanced Certificate on passing all seven modules.

Two medals, Silver and Bronze, are awarded each year to the leading
candidates amongst those who have completed their studies and
obtained the Advanced Certificate.

These award winners are later given the opportunity to produce a thesis Gold Medal winner, Nigel McLoughlin (Allied
of interest to the industry and win the nabim Gold Medal. Mills, Belfast), is presented with his award by
nabim President, Duncan Monroe (February
2017).

nabim Coursework Certificate

The coursework certificate will be awarded to all students who complete, to
a satisfactory standard, all 4 lessons within the module lesson books. The
certificate is awarded to recognise the hard work and effort the student has
put in throughout the course year, even if they do not pass the examination.
5
 Course Enrolment
The first step to success
How to enrol for this year’s courses Course Fees
Held at 2017 prices
Enrolments may be made on forms which can be downloaded from either
www.nabimtraining.com or www.nabim.org.uk; you may also enrol The basic charge per module (including
online at www.nabimtraining.com. Payment of the enrolment fee must nabim exam registration) is £400.
be made by bank transfer or cheque (made payable to ‘nabim Ltd’). (plus VAT at 20% where applicable).l
It is important that all parts of the enrolment form are completed. Discounts
Forms should then be sent to: nabim members: £150, so giving a fee per
module of £250 plus VAT.
Distance learning programme
nabim Non-UK companies: £60, so giving a fee
21 Arlington Street, London SW1A 1RN, United Kingdom per module of £340.
NB: Students enrolled in Module 3 will have
Enrolments should be submitted by 21 August 2018; the opportunity to pay an additional fee for
later enrolments may suffer a delay in processing. access to nabim’s virtual flour mill and other
training resources.

Course Enrolment/Exam Registration

The course fees include the nabim 2019 exam registration fee.
(Examination centres may impose their own additional registration fees
6 which must be settled locally by the student or their sponsoring employer.)
 Contact us...
Lessons and Workbooks Tel:
Fax:
+44 (0)20 7493 2521
+44 (0)20 7493 6785
Written by industry professionals E-mail: info@nabim.org.uk

The students’ textbooks and lesson workbooks are sent to mentors once Flour Milling Training
the enrolment has been processed, and should arrive by mid-September, Distance Learning Programme

provided that the enrolment was received before 21 August 2018. Module 2
Enrolments received after that date may suffer a delay in processing. Wheat and the Screenroom
5th Edition 2016
Flour Milling Training
Distance Learning Programme

However, if course materials have not been received by early October,

Module 6
nabim should be contacted immediately. Power and Automation
5th Edition 2015

Additional copies of the textbooks, for mentor or mill use, may be ordered
from nabim. Email: info@nabim.org.uk. Each textbook costs £70; a set
www.nabim.org.uk

of seven textbooks costs £400, prices inclusive of delivery. (Discounts

available for nabim member companies.)
www.nabim.org.uk
Flour Milling Training
Distance Learning Programme

Module 7
Flour Milling Management
5th Edition 2016

Copyright
www.nabim.org.uk

Please note that photocopying of the textbooks would be a breach of

nabim’s copyright. In such an event, nabim will consider taking legal
action to obtain compensation. 7
 Tutors and Mentors
Millers supporting Millers
Tutors – appointed by nabim
Every student is allocated one tutor per module. When the course books
are sent out, the student will be informed of their tutor and be supplied
with both email and postal address; the student should send all their
work to the tutor allocated to them for that module, either electronically
or by post. The tutor will mark and return the scripts. The tutors’ depth
of knowledge is reflected in the professional and specialist advice they
provide for the student.
Mentors – appointed by the mill
It is strongly recommended that, for each student who enrols on the
correspondence course, the mill appoints a suitable person to be made
specifically responsible for assisting the student in their studies. This
person is hereafter referred to as the mentor. Where a mill enrols more
than one student, it may wish to allocate one mentor for all students. The
mentor should be indicated on the enrolment form in the space provided.
Dedicated Tutor Support
The nabim programme provides dedicated tutor support for
every student, giving professional guidance and specialist advice
8 throughout the course year.
The role of the mentor
The mentor should encourage the student
to participate fully in the course.
For each lesson, the mentor should
discuss the subject matter with the student;
particularly where the lesson covers
subjects outside their normal practical
experience, the mentor may also arrange
for the student to spend time in the relevant
area of the mill and/or to speak to suitably
qualified personnel on site.
Mentors should address any difficulties the
students may be having by discussing the
returned lessons and the students answers.
The mentor should ensure that the student
is registered to take their examination at an
approved centre and that they are aware of
the date and venue for the examination.
 Contact us...
Other Resources Tel:
Fax:
+44 (0)20 7493 2521
+44 (0)20 7493 6785
From nabim for You E-mail: info@nabim.org.uk

nabim is continually seeking new ways in which to assist companies Enter the Virtual Mill
deliver to their employees the knowledge and understanding of the milling
Companies are able to purchase access for
process that they need. students to the virtual mill.

In recent years, we have produced training videos, using animation, and Details, including price, will be included
an e-learning resource. A DVD containing four videos (wheat cleaning; with their study packs.
1st break rollermill and plansifter; purification and reduction; mill
performance), lasting around one hour in total, is priced at £125.

An e-learning resource, first made available to module 3 students in 2016,

provides further insight into the closed milling process.

Most recently, nabim has built a virtual flour mill. Several tutorials were
held there for Module 3 students in the first half of 2018 and more will be
held in the coming session. Visiting the virtual mill also provides access to
the videos and e-learning resource.

The Virtual Flour Mill

Apart from providing a further training resource, helping trainees to look
inside the milling machines and process, the virtual mill provides a venue for
tutorials without the need to travel.
9
 Examinations
Procedures for May 2019
Each module will be examined in one written paper lasting for between
2 and 3 hours; the examination timetable is on page 19. There will be no Re-Sits
choice of questions. Students wishing to re-sit an examination
but not re-enrol on the course may register
Students enrolling on nabim courses in 2018 will be working towards for the examination only and will be
taking a nabim examination in May 2019. The course enrolment fee charged a fee of £100 (£60 for nabim
includes an exam element and all students enrolled on a course are members).
automatically registered by nabim for the 2019 examination. The deadline for nabim to receive exam
registrations – and requests from course
However, students must also register at an approved nabim examination students to change venue or to defer their
centre and pay any administration fees due locally. The deadline for exam exam for twelve months – is 28 February
registration with nabim is 28 February but examination centres may have 2019.
their own earlier deadlines. nabim no longer accepts exam
registrations from candidates
Mentors must contact the centres themselves to ensure that
who have never enrolled on the
administrative arrangements are in place and local fees paid.
relevant course.

In March 2019 nabim will inform its examination centres of the candidates
who have been registered to sit the examinations there; this will be
done using the information supplied by students on their enrolment or
registration forms.
10
Modules

2018-19

11
 Module 1
Safety, Health and Hygiene
This course emphasises the importance of health and safety to the Examination
individual and the organisation; introduces the student to risk assessment
The date for examination on this module is
and control; considers specific safety hazards to be found in a flour mill,
Tuesday 7 May 2019 and will accord with the
including fire and dust explosions and the means of avoiding them; and test specification to be finalised shortly and to
covers good hygiene practice and the dangers of infestation. be set out in the course workbook.
Duration: 2 hours, 8 questions
Module 1 is an essential course for all new flour millers, health and safety
personnel and those working towards the nabim Advanced Flour Milling
Certificate. Test specification
Importance of health and safety 1 question
Topics covered Risk assessment and control 2 questions
Hazards and precautions 4 questions
● Good health and safety ● Fire and explosion prevention
Hygiene and pest prevention 1 question
● Legal responsibilities ● Environmental impact
Past exam papers may be found at
● Risk assessment ● Hygiene strategies
www.nabimtraining.com/module-1
● Risk control ● Pests
● Hazards and precautions ● Infestation prevention

Sample question
Explain SIX objectives of a Permit to Work System.

12
 Contact us...
Module 2 Tel:
Fax:
+44 (0)20 7493 2521
+44 (0)20 7493 6785
Wheat and the Screenroom E-mail: info@nabim.org.uk

From the wheat in the field, to cleaned and conditioned grains, ready for Examination
milling, this module covers the structure, characteristics and production of
The date for examination on this module is
the industry’s major raw material.
Wednesday 8 May 2019 and will accord with
the test specification below.
The module provides a comprehensive tutorial of wheat intake, storage
Duration: 2 hours, 8 questions
and cleaning procedures; the operation of a modern screenroom; the
conditioning, drying and mixing of wheats.
Test specification
The wheat plant, varieties
Topics covered and production 2 questions
Wheat intake and storage 2 questions
● The wheat plant ● The screenroom Wheat cleaning and
● Wheat varieties ● Treatment and disposal of screenings the screenroom 2 questions
● Wheat production ● Adjustment and maintenance of plant Wheat damping, conditioning,
drying, mixing and measuring 2 questions
● Wheat intake ● Wheat damping
● Wheat storage ● Conditioning and drying wheat Past exam papers may be found at
www.nabimtraining.com/module-2
● Wheat cleaning

Sample question
Explain why the gravity selector has largely superseded the
de-stoner.
13
 Module 3
Mill Processes and Performance
This course addresses the history and practice of the modern flour milling Examination
operation; mill machinery and processes; the manufacture of different
The date for examination on this module is
flours and co-products; the importance and achievement of mill balance;
Thursday 9 May 2019 and will accord with
the measurement and improvement of mill performance. the test specification.

Students will gain an understanding of break, scratch and reduction Duration: 3 hours, 10 questions
systems; scalping and grading; purification; and flour dressing, whilst
also being able to demonstrate a working knowledge of general milling Test specification
principles. Milling - historical and modern 3½ questions
Milling machines and
pneumatic conveying 2 questions
Topics covered Flour processing and redressing;
production of bran, wheatfeed,
● Milling history ● Production of bran, wheatfeed and germ germ, wholemeal and
brown flour 1½ questions
● Modern flour milling ● Wholemeal and brown flours
Mill balance and performance 3 questions
● Milling machines ● Mill balance
Past exam papers may be found at
● Flour processing ● Mill performance
www.nabimtraining.com/module-3

Sample question
Explain the term ‘stratification’ when applied to a purifier.

14
 Contact us...
Module 4 Tel:
Fax:
+44 (0)20 7493 2521
+44 (0)20 7493 6785
Product Handling, Storage and Distribution E-mail: info@nabim.org.uk

This course considers the bulk storage of flour and co-products; the prac- Examination
tice of flour blending; handling and storage of packed flour; warehousing;
vehicles used to transport finished products and their loading and unload- The date for examination on this module
ing; pests of stored wheat and flour and their control. is Monday 13 May 2019 and will accord
with the test specification below.
Duration: 2 hours, 8 questions
Recently updated, this course is covered in 4 lessons, providing an
indispensable guide to materials handling, storage and distribution.
Test specification
Materials flow; bulk storage 2 questions
Topics covered Flour blending; packing and
palletising; packed product storage 3½ questions
● Bulk storage ● Packed product storage and handling Despatch and distribution 1½ questions
● Flour blending ● Despatch
Infestation control 1 question
● Packing ● Distribution
Past exam papers may be found at
● Infestation control www.nabimtraining.com/module-4

Sample question
Describe briefly FOUR practices which ease the storage problems
of wheatfeed.
15
 Module 5
Flour
This course covers the functionality and types of flour commonly milled; Examination
the flour treatments the miller may use; the measurement and control of
The date for examination on this module is
quality; the numerous laboratory tests a miller may perform on wheat and
Tuesday 14 May 2019 and will accord with
flour to ensure specifications are met; breadmaking and a wide range of the test specification below.
other flour uses.
Duration: 2½ hours, 7 questions
This module is an introduction to the flour millers finished product, upon
completion students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of flour Test specification (provisional)
types and flour quality. Definitions and types of flour;
quality assurance 1½ questions
Topics covered Laboratory tests on wheat
and flour 3 questions
● Types of flour ● Laboratory tests on wheat and flour Bread 1½ questions
● Flour grades ● Breadmaking Other flour products 1 question
● Quality assurance ● Biscuits, cakes and pastry Past exam papers may be found at
www.nabimtraining.com/module-5

Sample question
Explain how a combination of Farinograph and Extensograph can
be used to analyse the rheological properties of a bread flour.
16
 Contact us...
Module 6 Tel:
Fax:
+44 (0)20 7493 2521
+44 (0)20 7493 6785
Power and Automation E-mail: info@nabim.org.uk

This course studies the sources and transmission of power in the Examination
mill; pneumatic and mechanical conveying; instrumentation used for
The date for examination on this module is
measurement in the mill; the programmable logic controller; process
Wednesday 15 May 2019 and will accord
control systems in the milling industry. with the test specification below.

Students will gain valuable knowledge of the principles governing electric Duration: 2½ hours, 7 questions
motors and will be able to explain the importance of efficient use of
energy within the mill. Test specification
Automation; utilities;
Topics covered transmission of power 2 questions
Use of air;
● Evolution and automation ● Pneumatic conveying pneumatic conveying 2 questions

● Utilities ● Measurement Measurement 1 question

● Transmission of power ● The programmable logic controller PLCs and process
control systems 2 questions
● Use and application of air ● Process control systems
Past exam papers may be found at
www.nabimtraining.com/module-6

Sample question
Sketch a typical positive pressure conveying system, labelling
the essential components.
17
 Module 7
Flour Milling Management
The final module in the set of 7, in 4 lessons this course gives the student Examination
a complete overview of Flour Milling Management.
The date for examination on this module is
Thursday 16 May 2019 and will accord
This course provides a background to the flour milling industry; the with the test specification below.
location and design of flour mills; the staffing and organisation of mills;
the role of the miller as an employer; the responsibility to protect product, Duration: 3 hours, 9 questions
people and environment; financial considerations of the flour milling
business. Test specification
The flour milling industry;
flour and wheat markets 1½ questions
Topics covered Commercial management 2½ questions
Flour as a product;
● The flour milling industry ● Hazard analysis critical control points mill location and design 2 questions
● The flour and wheat markets ● Mill location and design Operations management;
● Commercial management ● Operations management people management 3 questions

● Flour and food safety ● People management Past exam papers may be found at
www.nabimtraining.com/module-7

Sample question
List and describe briefly SIX key factors which influence the
volatility of the global wheat market.

18
 Contact us...
Timetable Tel:
Fax:
+44 (0)20 7493 2521
+44 (0)20 7493 6785
of events and examinations E-mail: info@nabim.org.uk

2018 2019 2019 Examination Timetable

1 June – Enrolment for the
2018-2019 course year begins.
21 August – First ‘deadline’ for
course enrolments.
September – Lesson workbooks
and course textbooks delivered to
mentors/students.
December – Students should
make sure that arrangements are
in place for them to sit their May
2018 examinations at an approved
centre.
28 February – Deadline for
registration for nabim exam re-sits.
March – Student sponsors
should contact their exam
centres to ensure administrative
arrangements are in place.
May – Examinations at approved
nabim exam centres.
July – nabim issues examination
results to students via their mentors.
Pass lists published on nabim
website.
Module 1
Tuesday 7th May – 9.30am - 11.30am
Module 2
Wednesday 8th May – 9.30am - 11.30am
Module 3
Thursday 9th May – 9.30am - 12.30pm
Module 4
Monday 13th May – 9.30am - 11.30am
Module 5
Tuesday 14th May – 9.30am - 12.00 noon
Module 6
Wednesday 15th May – 9.30am - 12.00 noon
Module 7
Thursday 16th May – 9.30am - 12.30pm
Put the dates in your diary NOW!

“I am very happy with what I have learned and I would like to thank nabim for
providing lots of useful information in this course, most of which I am applying in
my work now. It is an honour to be awarded the bronze medal for 2015. Please
extend my appreciation to all my tutors who were part of this achievement.”.
Norbert Cabral, Canadian International Grains Institute
(being presented with his Bronze Medal)
19
 21 Arlington Street
London
SW1A 1RN
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)20 7493 2521

Fax: +44 (0)20 7493 6785
E-mail: info@nabim.org.uk

www.nabim.org.uk
www.nabimtraining.com