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Talk the torque in the Cytech Tech Forum

Cytech, the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians, has launched a new Facebook group - the Cytech Tech Forum –...

11 Mar 2024, more…

BikeBiz editor gets hands on with Cytech technical one

Daniel Blackham, editor of industry magazine BikeBiz, has been writing about his experience of completing the Cytech technical one qualification at training provider Spokes People in Milton...

8 Mar 2024, more…

JE James Cycles to open first Barnsley store

ACT member and Cytech-accredited retailer JE James Cycles – one of the largest independent cycle retailers in Europe – is to open a new 7,874 sq ft store shop in Barnsley town...

7 Mar 2024, more…

Activate Cycle Academy welcomes British Cycling to Cytech technical one training course

Cytech partner Activate Cycle Academy, the largest and most recognised training provider of bike maintenance and technical training courses to the UK’s cycle industry, recently welcomed a...

6 Mar 2024, more…

Local Bike Shop Day 2024 confirmed for Saturday May 4th.

The ACT is happy to confirm the date for Local Bike Shop Day 2024 as Saturday 4 May, the weekend of the early May Bank Holiday.

29 Feb 2024, more…

ACT tells Parliamentary Committee of the need for urgent systemic change to the Cycle to Work scheme.

With more than 500 cycle businesses having now signed up to its campaign for change to the Cycle to Work scheme, a delegation from the Association of Cycle Traders has met with All Party...

25 Jan 2024, more…

OPSS takes enforcement action over dangerous e-bike battery.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is taking enforcement action and warning consumers about a brand of e-bike battery – UPP – that has been linked to a number of...

24 Jan 2024, more…

Cytech training to help Go Outdoors boost number of cycle mechanics by offering apprenticeships to store staff.

Go Outdoors, which operates 75 stores across the UK, has announced an apprenticeship scheme involving Cytech training with the aim of addressing what it terms a nationwide shortage of...

15 Jan 2024, more…

Cytech Scotland training provider launches Young Bike Mechanic Programme to empower Glasgow’s youth.

Bike for Good, the Glasgow-based cycling charity and social enterprise, which delivers Cytech training in Scotland, has announced a Young Bike Mechanic Programme designed to create opportunities...

3 Jan 2024, more…

Re-Accreditation of Torq Zone Academy: Meeting QCTO Standards for Excellence

Torq Zone Academy, a leading institution of vocational training in South Africa, has been re-accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), for another five years, to offer...

27 Nov 2023, more…

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First formal qualification for bicycle mechanics registered

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First formal qualification for bicycle mechanics registered

Posted on 2 Mar 2017

The registration of the first national training standard for bicycle mechanics was announced by Torq Zone Academy today. The qualification is in answer to the rapid advances in bicycle technology and the need for structured training and standards in the profession.

The Occupational Certificate: Bicycle Mechanic, NQF Level 4 makes South Africa one of only a few countries to offer a formal training standard in this field. Torq Zone, the industry leader in bicycle repairs and maintenance, in conjunction with key industry role players, initiated the development of this national qualification 3 years ago.

"Cycling has become the fastest growing sport in the country and has over the past few years created growth opportunities for the economy. However, trained and qualified bicycle mechanics are in short supply due to ever increasing demands for the professional repair and maintenance of bicycles. " says Graeme Stickells, managing director of the Torq Zone Academy.

"This much needed qualification benefits the industry in that it not only formalises the profession, but establishes much needed standards, improves safety, and recognises formal training. It also assesses the skill of bicycle mechanics, and provides much needed professional recognition," Stickells adds.

The Academy will shortly offer the national qualification in conjunction with its UK based and internationally recognised Cytech training scheme, ensuring dual certification for successful learners. In addition to the UK the Cytech programme is also offered in Australia and Canada thereby offering learners access to overseas work opportunities.

Since November 2014 the has Academy offered a range of training solutions from home mechanic courses for cycling enthusiasts, to internationally certified courses for prospective bicycle mechanics.

"With today's high unemployment rate, this qualification offers businesses an ideal CSI opportunity to create training and job opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals," Stickells adds.

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