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25 Jun 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on...

20 Jun 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

18 Jun 2025

The Association of Cycle Traders believes the time has come for greater accountability throughout our supply chain, writes ACT Director Jonathan Harrison in an article published for BikeBiz.

16 Jun 2025

The ACT has welcomed the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking's report "Unregulated and Unsafe: The Threat of Illegal E-Bikes", which calls for urgent Government action to...

11 Jun 2025

A new academic study has found that overzealous pro-cycling campaigners on social media may be inadvertently damaging the case for better cycling infrastructure across the UK.

11 Jun 2025

Bira has welcomed the Welsh Government's consultation on business rate reforms for retail shops, whilst calling for significant improvements to ensure the proposals truly support high street...

10 Jun 2025

Bike thefts across England and Wales have continued their steady decline, according to new data released by cycle insurance specialist Bikmo.

9 Jun 2025

Retailers on Britain's high streets are being encouraged to put themselves forward for the first-ever Love Your High Street Awards, designed to celebrate the small businesses that bring...

9 Jun 2025

 To coincide with Bike Week (9-15 June) – the UK’s annual celebration of cycling – new research has revealed a clear shift amongst Gen Z and Millennials in their approach...

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Activate Cycle Academy to start delivering the new Bicycle Mechanic Apprenticeship Standard

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Cytech logoCytech logoFollowing the recent Government announcement pledging extra investment and funding for businesses hiring an apprentice, Cytech training provider Activate Cycle Academy (formerly ATG Training) will begin delivering the new apprenticeship standard for bicycle mechanics.

As part of the recent Government announcement businesses will be given £2,000 for each new apprentice they hire under the age of 25, which is in addition to the existing £1,000 payment for new apprentices between the ages of 16-18 and those aged under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.

ACT logoACT logoThe new 18 month Level 2 apprenticeship standard (ST0622), fully approved by The Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education and supported by the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT), will replace the old framework from August 2020.

A cycle mechanics trailblazer group, chaired by Cycle-R and consisting of 13 employers from the cycle industry, the majority being independent retailers with some additional representation from larger retailers, key suppliers and representatives from the cycle industry’s trade body the ACT, have worked together to create this new apprenticeship.

With their background in delivering Cytech technical training to the cycle trade, Activate Cycle Academy were one of the driving forces behind the trailblazer. As a long-standing provider of cycle maintenance apprenticeships they were keen to ensure that the standard of their training continues to be the pinnacle of excellence.

Commenting on the new standard, Richard Lawrence from Cycle-R said “The new Apprenticeship Standard is an exciting progression for the cycle industry. The old apprenticeships were valuable but were becoming out-dated with little provision for the latest materials and technologies involved in bicycle maintenance.

“We were delighted to become involved in the project, liaising with so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable organisations in the development of the standards, their input has been vital in ensuring the new standards fit in the modern cycling arena and will lay the groundwork for highly skilled, professional cycle mechanics for years to come.

“As cycling is becoming more popular, the requirements for skilled professionals is vital, both mechanics and in the industry as a whole, and these standards will ensure the cycling industry in the UK has the skills it needs to add value to individual organisations and ensuring that they thrive in the new marketplace.”

Cytech apprentice

Cytech apprenticeActivate Cycle Academy will start delivering the new and improved apprenticeship standard from 1st August, with Cytech technical training continuing to be at the heart of the training delivered by the provider to ensure that all apprentices gain an industry recognised qualification as well as completing their apprenticeship. The new standard includes, when delivered at Activate Cycle Academy, Cytech theory one online, Technical two and Technical three qualifications as well as a greater emphasis on topics such as business studies, customer service and advanced selling skills resulting in a more rounded and experienced apprentice.

Whether you already have a member of staff in your business who wants to enhance their technical knowledge, or you're looking to take on a new member of staff and give them the skills they need to thrive, an apprenticeship could be the right solution.

Employers interested in taking on a cycle mechanic apprentice or would like to learn more about the recent Government funding incentive details should contact Activate Cycle Academy on 01865 550 324 or email cycles@activatelearning.ac.uk.

Existing apprentices on the old framework will not be affected by the launch of this new standard and will continue with their apprenticeship training as planned.


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