Cycle Mechanic

[pursuit]

Hi all , not sure if this is the right place to post this but seemed the most appropriate out of the choices so here goes!.....

I'm currently at uni studying the legal practice course 1 day a week, I've been unemployed for the past 5 months despite searching everyday for a job, now as a result of this and the fact I've started to get into biking more and more these last few months, the idea of becoming a bike mechanic appeals to me very much.

Just wondering if anyone on here is a bike mechanic and if so how did you go about becoming one?

I've looked at the Halfords site and they are advertising for a part time bikehut mechanic, would I be able to apply for that even though I have no experience of working with bikes at present? I would be more than willing to train on the job, I've found out about the 'Cytech' qualification and that looks like the best option but I'd like to do it whilst working in a bike environment to lower the cost of the course and also to make sure I'm not wasting my money on the course by having no job at the end of it!!

Many Thanks !

 

[monkeypony]

Cytec 2 is the 'industry standard' qualification. Many bike shops will take you on and put you through the training but obviously it is an advantage to have it already.

You can do an apprenticship which includes the Cytec 2 but you will not be eligible for this if you have a degree or other qualification rated at level 4 or higher.

The apprenticeship includes an NVQ in engineering maintenance, a certificate in cycle maintenance and 5 key skills aong with the Cytec. This is the prefered route for shops as it is heavily government funded. You need to be in full time employment before you can begin an apprenticeship.

You could just do the pay and do the Cytec on its own, which consits of 10 days training but this will set you back about £1500.

Its worth looking at large distributers like Fisher or Madison as they are very pro-active at getting their staff trained and jobs are a bit scarce on the retail side at the moment!

I work for a company that delivers Cytec and apprenticship training nation wide so If you have any more questions I should be able to get you answers.