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5 Sep 2025

The average cycle trip in England lasted 24 minutes in 2024, remaining consistent with the previous year, new figures from the National Travel Survey have revealed.

4 Sep 2025

A panel event hosted by ACT Director Jonathan Harrison will focus on retailer experiences and how they are adapting to a number of challenges within the sector at this year’s inaugural...

3 Sep 2025

Cycling just two miles to work can improve heart health by up to 30 per cent compared with driving, new research has shown.

3 Sep 2025

The UK is far behind most European countries in e-bike sales, according to new research from ACT member Paul's Cycles.

2 Sep 2025

A barber's shop in Northern Ireland has proved that it's a cut above the rest by picking up the inaugural Love Your High Street Award 2025, following a public vote that attracted over 2,230...

29 Aug 2025

Pre-registration has now opened for the very first Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) show, taking place on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 September 2025 at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month...

20 Aug 2025

Cycling and active living charity Sustrans has claimed there is strong evidence that a lack of infrastructure is the biggest barrier to getting more people on bikes in Northern Ireland.

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.

13 Aug 2025

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases...

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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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