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MPs urge crackdown as unsafe e-bikes and chargers found on Amazon and eBay

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

2 Jul 2025, more…

E-Bike Positive campaign gains national momentum amidst media coverage in 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...

25 Jun 2025, more…

Cytech Training Returns to Darlington as Activate Cycle Academy Reopens Workshop

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.
 

20 Jun 2025, more…

Beyond the discount: Restoring integrity to the cycle supply chain

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.

18 Jun 2025, more…

Study warns forceful cycle advocacy risks hindering bike lane progress

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, more…

Young adults leading the UK’s surge in e-bike popularity – but increased education on battery safety crucial, new research reveals

 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...

9 Jun 2025, more…

ACT Director among judging panel announced for BikeBiz Awards 2025

The judges for the BikeBiz Awards 2025, in association with Bikedesk, have been officially announced, with ACT Director Jonathan Harrison among the leading voices from all corners of the cycling...

3 Jun 2025, more…

ACT partner Bikebook joins with BikeBiz to boost Mechanic of the Month campaign

ACT service partner Bikebook has teamed up with leading industry publication BikeBiz in a boost to the BikeBiz ‘Mechanic of the Month’ campaign.

23 May 2025, more…

Bike mechanic apprenticeship scheme for prisoners nears first anniversary of success

A pioneering prisoner apprenticeship scheme is being highlighted after almost a year of successful operation, offering participants hands-on training and professional qualifications to prepare...

22 May 2025, more…

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England peak time for hiring government-funded apprentices in bicycle mechanics

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England peak time for hiring government-funded apprentices in bicycle mechanics

Posted on 29 Jun 2022

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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