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1 Dec 2025

As of Thursday 1st January 2026, the E-Bike Positive campaign will fall under the joint guardianship of the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).

27 Nov 2025

Cycling charity and ACT member Life Cycle has helped a former prisoner gain key bike mechanic skills to help “break the cycle of reoffending” through a Cytech-accredited training...

26 Nov 2025

The ACT has welcomed the Government's decision not to impose a cap on the cycle to work scheme, calling it "common sense prevailing" after weeks of speculation threatened a vital sales tool for...

25 Nov 2025

Longstanding independent Ipswich bike shop Elmy Cycles has installed brand-new doors and adjusted its layout, thanks to funding from Ipswich Borough Council under the Town Fund Grant Scheme.

24 Nov 2025

More than three-quarters of independent retailers, including some of those in the cycling retail sector, are boycotting Black Friday this year, rejecting pressure...

24 Nov 2025

Belhaven Bikes has announced the winner of its 20th anniversary prize draw, celebrating two decades in business.

21 Nov 2025

 Following numerous requests from members, here is an update on the speculation surrounding possible changes to the Cycle to Work scheme.

18 Nov 2025

Independent retailers are warning that proposed changes to the Cycle to Work scheme risk deepening pressures already felt on the shop floor. Writing on LinkedIn just under a week ago, A&S...

17 Nov 2025

Cycling industry bodies have reacted with alarm to reports that the Government is considering re-introducing a spending cap on Cycle to Work purchases, a proposal expected to be examined as part...

13 Nov 2025

The ACT will exhibit at COREbike for the first time in 2026, further strengthening its presence across the UK cycle industry.

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Applications for additional Apprenticeship incentives open

Posted on in Business News ,Brands & Products News , Cycles News , Political News

ACytech coursespplications for the Government's latest additional incentive payment of £3,000 open today (11 January 2022) for employers who have hired an apprentice(s) over the winter.

Businesses who hire or have hired a new apprentice, with an employment start date between 1 October 2021 and 31 January 2022, can apply to receive £3,000 per new recruit (compared with £1,500-£2,000 under previous schemes) regardless of the age of the apprentice. The apprentice must also have an apprenticeship start date between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022, and applications for funding are open from 11 January 2022 and close on 15 May 2022.

This means that for those businesses that haven't already, or wish to make the most of this additional incentive, have until the end of the month (January 2022) to onboard any further apprentices. After that point they then have until the end of March 2022 to enrol them onto an apprenticeship, and until 15 May 2022 to apply for the Government grant.

Cytech training provider Activate Cycle Academy (ACA) deliver the Level 2 Bicycle mechanic Apprenticeship Standard, with Cytech technical training being at the heart of their programme to ensure that all apprentices gain industry recognised qualifications as well as completing their apprenticeship. It offers the perfect mix of learning whilst working and includes the following industry's standard professional qualifications and study modules;

 

  • Cytech theory one (online)
  • Cytech technical two
  • Cytech technical three
  • Functional Skills Level 1 or 2 in English and Maths
  • Health & Safety in the Workshop
  • Legal Compliance
  • Customer service and advanced selling skills
  • Business administration studies plus lots more

Apprenticeships benefit everyone involved, particularly in challenging economic times. Employers get engaged and loyal staff, apprentices get valuable on-the-job training and customers get professionally maintained bikes. Better yet training costs involved with apprenticeships are heavily subsidised (if you don't pay into the apprenticeship levy), making it an extremely cost-effective means to upskilling your staff.

ACAMake sure your business doesn't miss out on this great opportunity to get you staff professionally trained and receive this extra Government incentive grant. For more information about how this apprenticeship can boost your business, please contact Activate Cycle Academy on 01865 550324 or at cycles@activatelearning.ac.uk.

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