This popular apprenticeship programme is recommended for those people either new to the cycle trade, someone looking for a change in career, or existing cycle mechanics who wish to secure formal training and additional qualifications.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to build, repair, and service all kinds of bicycles, including road, mountain, hybrid, recumbent, disabled-adapted, electric, and other human-powered road and off-road vehicles.
Our cycle maintenance apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of the cycle trade. They lead to nationally recognised qualifications (such as NVQs and Cytech accreditation).
These apprenticeships are the only training schemes available that include Cytech certification as part of the programme. On completion, you will become a fully trained professional bike mechanic.
Our Apprenticeship in Bicycle Mechanics is a work-based training programme for bike mechanics designed around the needs of the cycle trade that lead to nationally recognised qualifications (such as Cytech accreditation).
You will typically work in bicycle shops, dedicated workshops, in the field for bicycle racing teams or mobile mechanics, and in other areas where bicycles are prominent.
Includes:
There may be a requirement for college attendance to support the delivery of Functional Skills.
Fully approved by The Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education and supported by the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT), this 18 month, intermediate, Level 2 apprenticeship standard (ST0622) replaced the old framework in August 2020.
These apprenticeships are the only training schemes available that include Cytech certification as part of the programme.
A cycles apprenticeship can lead to a rewarding career in a variety of roles in the cycles industry. You may choose to progress with your employer, change jobs or study a higher-level apprenticeship.
Since the introduction of new style apprenticeships in May 2017, it’s been a requirement that every apprentice spends at least 20% of their time on off-the-job training. The required 20% off-the-job training hours will be calculated via the apprentices contracted hours of work, holiday entitlement and length of programme and will be clearly specified in our commitment statement. This requirement doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect – and doesn’t even mean the apprentice has to be away from their workplace 20% of the time.
Every apprentice must be paid a lawful wage for the time they are in work and in off the-job training. The employer must meet the cost of the apprentice’s wages. An employer can only pay the apprenticeship minimum wage from the start of the apprenticeship programme and not before. You can find information on the national minimum wage, the apprenticeship rate, and the definition of an employee on GOV.UK.
What happens next? Most people stay on with the employer they train with, but there are plenty of options! You may decide to study a higher-level apprenticeship, return to academic studies, or work full time. We will support you whatever you decide!
You will have access to a range of support and advice we have on offer. This includes support from Advice and Admissions, Learning Support and Student Support.
You can access all facilities at Activate Learning Colleges and reap benefits, such as student discount. However, you may not be entitled to certain funding and travel bursaries as apprenticeships are paid positions.
The amount you’ll earn will vary depending on the nature of your role, sector and business you are working with.
The minimum hourly rate for an apprentice is £8.00, however most apprentices are paid more than this. If you are over 19 and have completed one year, you will be paid national minimum wage.
You will also be entitled to the same conditions as all other employees in a business, including paid holiday, sick pay and pensions (where requirements are met).
You must be at least 16 years old when you start an apprenticeship.
There are 3 types of apprenticeships depending on your requirements and previous qualifications: day release, work-based and block-release.
Your apprenticeship programme may be assessed with:
You will have a performance coach visit your workplace every eight weeks as well as an inhouse mentor throughout your apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship typically lasts 24 months, but can vary between 12 months to 5 years.