Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers and lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

Apprenticeships benefit everyone, particularly in challenging economic times. People who want to learn a new trade get valuable on-the-job training and employers get engaged, loyal employees. 

A recent Government initiative has been introduced that could see an incentive payment of up to £1500 being offered to employers with less than 50 employees who hire an apprentice between the ages of 16 and 24. 

When will it be available?

The incentive is available from now until March 2013 for employers offering a job opportunity to a young person they recruit between the ages 16-24. Funding will start from 1 April 2012. However, eligible employers who have
employed a new apprentice from 1 February 2012 will be able to apply for the grant, subject to all the other eligibility criteria.

The employer is able to receive the grant of £750 at the 8 week stage of the apprenticeship, with the second £750 when the apprentice has completed 12 months of their apprenticeship.

Who is eligible?

Small and medium sized employers who are interested in employing an apprentice for the first time, or who have previously employed an apprentice more than 3 years ago.

Employers will sign an agreement which will include:

• Confirmation of the number of apprentices they will be taking on as a result of this incentive (to a
• maximum of 3)
• Confirmation that they wouldn't have taken the apprentice on without this additional incentive
• A commitment to employ the apprentice for at least the time it takes to achieve the Apprenticeship framework. If they fail to do this some or all the grant will be clawed back
• Confirmation that they are aware of and do not breach any state aid rules
• Agreement to pay the minimum Apprenticeship wage of £2.60 per hour - although most apprentices receive more than this
• Confirmation that they have not taken on an apprentice in the previous three years.

Can existing employees starting an apprenticeship programme within their existing employer
attract the incentive?

No - the aim is to support employers to create new and additional jobs for 16 to 24 year olds.

Cycle apprenticeships

The cycling industry has seen a significant expansion in paid-for training and with it the accelerated adoption of Cytech, the industry's only recognised training and accreditation scheme. 

Although employers are expected to contribute to the overall cost of delivering, assessing and certificating a learner, the subsidy is in many cases substantial. ActSmart's Partner of the Year 2011 (Runner up) ATG Training, can help you through the process of finding the best option for your business. 

Click here to find out more about Government funding for cycle apprenticeships through ATG Training.

To find out more about Cytech training click here. 

Register your interest now

If you are a bike shop owner/manager and would like to register your interest in Cytech apprenticeships please complete the form below.

If you are an ActSmart silver member or above, ActSmart will upload your apprenticeship vacancies on the ActSmart and The Cycling Experts jobs boards to assist you in finding the best candidate for the role.

Click here for more information on jobs advertising.   

ATG Training

ActSmart's partner training provider and ActSmart's Partner of the Year (Runner Up) 2011 ATG Training, are responsible for delivering 90% of Cytech training in England, and can help you through the process of finding the best option for your business.

ATG Training offers two short-term apprenticeships for cycle mechanics:

• Bike Apprenticeship - for working mechanics who want more training and qualifications under their belts. This includes a Cycle Maintenance Certificate, Cytech Technical Two and DT Swiss wheel building training, Cycle Maintenance NVQ2 and Keyskills Level 1 or 2.

• Advanced Cycle Apprenticeship - for those who want more technical know-how after completing the standard apprenticeship. This includes the Diploma of Cycle Maintenance, Cytech Technical Three training (3 courses), Cycle Maintenance NVQ3 and Keyskills at a minimum of Level 2.

Want to be an apprentice?

If you are looking to get an apprenticeship or a job in the cycling industry, take a look at our jobs board here.

Cycle Retailers-  Register Your Interest

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