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1 Apr 2025

Bira has voiced serious concerns over the latest figures from the BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index for March 2025.

26 Mar 2025

ACT parent company Bira has said the Chancellor's Spring Statement delivered today has failed to address the "perfect storm" of cost pressures facing independent retailers across the UK,...

25 Mar 2025

ACT parent company Bira has outlined its key priorities ahead of the Chancellor's Spring Budget statement.

24 Mar 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has delivered a five-day bespoke training course to help Metropolitan Police officers to crack down on illegal e-bikes.

21 Mar 2025

UK cycle industry trade bodies the Bicycle Association (BA) and Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) have issued a joint message to cycle retailers who may be considering fitting e-bike conversion...

20 Mar 2025

Businesses and individuals that have signed up to the E-Bike Positive retailer safety pledge are urged by the ACT share pictures of the in-store campaign assets in action with the association.

20 Mar 2025

Cytech, the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle mechanics, have partnered with Bristol-based charity Life Cycle to offer a range of bicycle mechanic...

19 Mar 2025

A lot of cycling retailers would consider managing inventory the most crucial aspect of running a shop, investing significant effort and time into keeping on top of stock. However, high street...

19 Mar 2025

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has translated its e-bike and e-scooter safety guidance videos into multiple languages to improve accessibility for delivery riders and other...

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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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