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15 Oct 2024

The ACT is launching a campaign to ensure fair and accurate reporting of e-bike-related news while promoting the positive aspects of e-bike usage.

11 Oct 2024

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for September 2024

10 Oct 2024

Cycle to Work scheme provider Gogeta has reported a significant increase in the number of employers signing up to its scheme.

9 Oct 2024

A UK cycling charity focused on recycling unused bikes and providing them to disadvantaged people has set up a fundraiser to help tackle significant increases in its costs.

9 Oct 2024

Long-standing independent bike shop Cyclesense has revealed a complete rebrand as it seeks to reflect its evolution from a local shop to a nationally recognised cycling retailer.

3 Oct 2024

The Federation of Small Businesses has launched a new initiative, which it says aims to transform high streets across the UK, by advancing economic, social, and cultural benefits, while also...

3 Oct 2024

3 in 4 Britons (77%) would ban paper receipts if they knew how many trees were cut down to generate them – and millennials are the most eco-conscious (rising to 87%).

25 Sep 2024

Major media outlets, including the BBC and Sky News, as well as regional and cycling-focused media to the growing  have been giving significant coverage to E-Bike Positive, the largest-ever...

25 Sep 2024

The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) is excited to announce its new partnership with Renticy, the dynamic platform transforming retail through rental solutions. This collaboration brings a...

24 Sep 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is set to address critical issues facing the UK's high streets at its upcoming Annual Conference, marking the event's return after a six-year...

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It's National Apprenticeship Week 2022!

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News , Political News

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) runs from 7th-13th February 2022 and aims to celebrate and promote the positive impact apprenticeships bring to employers, individuals, and the economy, spotlighting businesses who are investing in this life-changing education route.

The Government-backed courses are proving to be as popular as ever with businesses looking to hire new talent in their recovery from the pandemic, with over 40% more people starting apprenticeships in the first quarter of 2021/22 than in the same period 2020/21, which is up again from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Apprenticeships benefit everyone involved, particularly in these challenging economic times. Employers get engaged and loyal staff, apprentices get valuable on-the-job training and when it comes to bike shops customers get professionally maintained bikes. Better yet training costs involved with apprenticeships are heavily subsidised, making it an extremely cost-effective means to upskilling your staff.

In England, 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
  • Legal Compliance
  • Customer service and advanced selling skills
  • Business administration studies plus lots more

In Wales the Welsh Government have said it will invest £366m over the next three years to deliver apprenticeships across the country. The investment will go towards creating 125,000 apprenticeships in Wales.
The Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said it will help support the Welsh Government's commitment to ensure at least 90% of 16 to 24-year-olds in Wales will be in education, employment, or training by 2050.

The Association of Cytech Traders (ACT) along with Cytech, Activate Cycle Academy and other industry players are currently working with the Welsh Government on its development of a Bike Mechanics Apprenticeship for delivery in Wales, with hopes of a positive announcement later this year.

 

How much does an apprentice cost in England

Training costs involved with apprenticeships are heavily subsidised by the Government (if you don't pay into the apprenticeship levy) - in most cases 95% of the training costs are covered by Government funding, and in some instances this increases to 100% - leaving up to only 5% of the training costs plus the apprentice's salary to be covered by the employer.

As well as the training costs being subsidised, employers hiring apprenticeships are also entitled to various incentives to aid in the employment process, including additional cash grants.

For more information about the costs involved and the financial incentives available to you, visit the ACAApprenticeships page on the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) website.

There's never been a better time to benefit from an apprenticeship and get you staff professionally trained. For more information about how apprenticeships can boost your business, and to get the ball rolling to hire an apprentice, please contact Activate Cycle Academy on 01865 550324 or at cycles@activatelearning.ac.uk.

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