Bicycle mechanic
Level 2 · IntermediateEngineering and manufacturing 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Bicycle Mechanic apprenticeship trains you to service, repair and build bicycles across a range of types including road, mountain and e-bikes. Apprentices develop diagnostic, repair and customer service skills in a retail or workshop environment. It can lead to head mechanic, workshop manager or specialist bike-fitting roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Bicycle component identification and how systems work
Gear and brake adjustment and replacement
Wheel building, truing and hub maintenance
E-bike battery and motor system servicing
Suspension fork and rear shock servicing
Customer consultation and fault diagnosis
Workshop safety and tool care
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out routine bicycle services to set schedules
Diagnose and repair mechanical faults reported by customers
Adjust and replace gears, brakes and cables
True wheels and replace spokes and tyres
Service and bleed hydraulic disc brakes
Diagnose and support e-bike system issues
Advise customers on parts, accessories and maintenance
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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