Does building repairing and servicing all kinds of bicycles appeal to you? Then maybe the Level 2 Bicycle Mechanic Apprenticeship is right for you. If you are interested in this blog, then read on to find out how a Bicycle Mechanic could help start a new career for you!
The broad purpose of this occupation is to build, repair and service all kinds of bicycles. With bicycles being used more and more frequently, especially within cities, there is always a demand for a bike mechanic. Therefore this apprenticeship you will be able to learn how to repair all sorts of bicycles such as road, mountain, hybrid, recumbent, disabled adapted, electric and other human powered road and off-road vehicles.
As a Bicycle Mechanic Apprentice, you will be taking the route of Engineering and Manufacturing. Although typical duration of the course is 18 months (this does not include EPA period). The apprentice is also eligible for a maximum funding of £7000. However Employers are involved in creating the standard: Bay Cycles, Bicycle Rehab, Bournemouth Cycleworks, Cycle-R, Cycle Surgery, Cycle Tech Oldham, Cotswold Outdoor, Decathlon, Evans Cycles, Madison, Isla Bicycles, Recycle Bicycles, Serco (UK)
Key Responsibilities of a Bicycle Mechanic
In their daily work a Bicycle Mechanic will interact with other mechanics, depending on the size of the operations, and suppliers. There is also a lot of interactions between clients/customers.
An employee from this occupation will be often completing work under the senior mechanics supervision or another management role depending on the organisation. However work it physically demanding, and you will be able to learn how to use various tools and chemicals, such as cleaning products and greasing agents, and you will also learn how to work in the manner that ensures the health and safety for yourself and other employees.
Assessment Criteria
Components: 2 – observation and questioning Apprentices must complete a practical demonstration, observed and assessed by an independent assessor. The practical demonstration must include observation of three tasks:
1. Strip, repair and rebuild a bicycle; it must be an adult bicycle (male or female, not an electrically assisted bicycle) with hydraulic brakes, gears (18-30, standard or compact) and a suspension unit. The bike must require three repairs, for example replacing chain, replacing bottom bracket, resetting gears and so on. The apprentice must identify and rectify the repairs. All work must be completed within 3-hours to pass (within 2-hours to be graded as distinction), during which they will be required to answer questions while they work.
2. Build a new wheel; it must be for an adult bicycle (26, 27.5 or 29 inch), a rear wheel of a simple design, for example 3-cross. All work must be completed within 2-hours to pass (within 90 minutes to be graded as Distinction), during which they will be required to answer questions while they work.
3. Dealing with customer; simulation with colleague acting as customer. The apprentice must complete customer handover of the bicycle and new wheel completed in tasks 1 and 2 to the customer and deal with a complaint. The colleague must be fully briefed by the independent assessor in terms of their role and any questions/objections they must pose; they must not assist the apprentice in any way or seek to influence the independent assessor. The independent assessor will make the decision on competence.
Conclusion
As you can see, the level 2 Bicycle Mechanic is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to pursue a career in Engineering and Manufacturing. The core skills covered in the apprenticeship will open a wide range of job opportunities within the Engineering and Manufacturing industry. In addition, you will earn while you learn, and excellent progression opportunities exist to advance your career. Employers are keen to use apprenticeship to shape how their employees learn and progress. The type of job roles that will open over the coming years could be endless for anyone that commits their future to a career in data.
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