This is a trade facing website. Visit the ACT's consumer site thecyclingexperts.co.uk for information and advice on cycling and find your local independent cycle retailer.

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 817


28 Oct 2026

ACT parent company, Bira's CEO Andrew Goodacre has hailed the Budget’s business rates announcements as a win for independent retailers.

28 Oct 2026

Cytech technical three, the highest attainable qualification in professional cycle maintenance within the Cytech syllabus, is now available through training provider Life Cycle.

27 Oct 2026

A leading criminologist has warned that shop thieves are now stealing to order, with demand for stolen goods driving the crime.

27 Oct 2026

A new advice article from Cycling Electric editor Mark Sutton looks at the pitfalls consumers can face when buying an e-bike through mass online marketplaces such as...

26 Oct 2026

A health food shop barely a year old has beaten a record field of nominations to be named high street shop of the year.

26 Oct 2026

A new survey of food delivery riders has highlighted the extent to which modified and converted e-bikes are being used in the gig economy, alongside gaps in riders’...

26 Oct 2026

A Cycling UK-led campaign against Merseyrail’s proposed ban on non-folding e-bikes is gathering momentum, with the organisation urging riders and supporters to...

22 Oct 2026

Bira is urging businesses of all sizes to check their websites are protected, following a warning about a critical security flaw affecting PHP.

21 Oct 2026

Independent retailers, including cycle shops and IBDs, face a looming cost crisis unless the Chancellor acts in the Budget, ACT parent company Bira has warned.

20 Oct 2026

The E-Bike Positive scheme has won the Cycle Advocacy of the Year award at the 2026 BikeBiz Awards, recognising its work to improve e-bike safety, raise standards and help consumers identify...

Back to news menu

England peak time for hiring government-funded apprentices in bicycle mechanics

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Are you considering taking on an apprentice this summer? This time of year offers a great opportunity to find and recruit new apprentices, as there’s a large influx of school and college leavers looking for their next step.

Young apprentices can be some of the most dedicated workers, bringing fresh perspectives and new skill sets into your workforce. They provide opportunities for employers to ‘grow their own’ and develop a crucial pipeline for the next generation of bike technicians.

Activate Cycle Academy's 18-month apprenticeship in bicycle mechanics is ideal for anyone looking to join the buoyant cycle industry. It’s a work-based training programme for new, or existing, bike mechanics specifically designed around the needs of the cycle trade.

Cytech technical training is at the heart of the course to ensure that all apprentices gain industry recognised qualifications whilst completing their apprenticeship. It offers the perfect mix of learning whilst working and includes the following industry’s standard professional qualifications and study topics;

  • Cytech online Theory One
  • Cytech Technical Two
  • Cytech Technical Three
  • Customer service, merchandising and advanced selling skills
  • Business administration studies
  • E-Bikes, plus many more topics

With the cycle trade continuing to be as busy as ever, there has never been a better time to consider taking on an apprentice if you’re looking to recruit and grow your workshop team.

No training costs for small employers

For school/college leavers still under 19 years of age at the start of their apprenticeship, the training is fully funded by the government, plus employers can also claim an additional grant of £1,000 per apprentice. For apprentices over 19, the training is 95% funded by the government leaving a small employer’s contribution of just £350 towards the training.*

That’s 18 months of staff training, including Cytech technical two AND Cytech technical three, all funded by the government, making this apprenticeship programme a really cost-effective means for upskilling your new mechanics.

For more details about how to take on an apprentice and how your business can access Government funding for apprenticeship training, click the button below or contact Activate Cycle Academy.

 

Find out more

 

* The government funding applies for all non-apprenticeship levy paying employers. Large employers with an annual payroll greater than £3 million, fund apprenticeship training via their apprenticeship levy account.

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.