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7 Nov 2025

Britain's independent retailers, including those in the cycling retail sector, are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the autumn budget to restore...

6 Nov 2025

An investigation by Cycling Electric has uncovered that major retailers including Argos, Very.co.uk, and eBay are listing products marketed as ‘electric...

29 Oct 2025

A new long-awaited cycle lane through Marylebone in London has been approved despite strong opposition from local councillors, parents and residents worried about safety and traffic impacts.

28 Oct 2025

Thousands of riders across the UK joined Cycling UK’s Glow Rides to call for safer cycling and walking routes that reflect women’s needs and experiences.

27 Oct 2025

Richmond Council’s new £664,000 cycle parking hub at Richmond Station has been met with ridicule from cyclists who say it’s inaccessible and poorly designed.

17 Oct 2025

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to ACT parent...

14 Oct 2025

ACT member Cyclo Monster has been recognised by local media for its commitment to keeping Derby’s cycling scene independent, community-focused and thriving.

10 Oct 2025

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.

9 Oct 2025

More people cycled than drove during a rush hour morning in Glasgow, according to new traffic data from Cycling Scotland.

2 Oct 2025

More than one in four Londoners say they are now more likely to consider cycling following Tube strikes in the capital in September, with many using e-bikes for transportation during the...

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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.

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