Cytech goes international
Posted on in Cycles News
Cytech, the training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians, now delivers technical training to the cycle trade and enthusiasts internationally.
Cytech is owned by the UK cycle industry via the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) and over the last 25 years has delivered over 8000 technical courses to cycle mechanics and enthusiasts in the UK.
The UK has led the way in terms of building a nationally recognised qualification for bicycle mechanics, where other countries have lagged behind. "We [the UK] are lucky to have Cytech. There are a number of mechanics' course and training regimes [in the USA], but no national recognised cycle mechanics accreditation scheme " - Carlton Reid, Executive Editor BikeBiz.
Given the growing popularity of cycling and maintenance worldwide, Cytech has expanded internationally and now offers the same dedicated training and accreditation in South Africa via Torq Zone Academy.
Cycling has become the fastest-growing sport in South Africa and has created great growth opportunities for the economy over the past few years. However, with a lack of any formalised and structured training of bicycle mechanics in South Africa, the full potential of the cycle industry would not be realised.
Torq Zone, South Africa's first concept bicycle workshop, has partnered with the ACT, to establish the Torq Zone Academy in Gauteng, South Africa.
"Our partnership with ACT gives us the opportunity to adopt much needed skills in our industry and it enables us to present internationally accredited Cytech Technical courses right here in South Africa," said Dirk Oerlemans, owner of Torq Zone.
Cytech Technical courses will now be presented exclusively in South Africa through the newly established Torq Zone Academy which opened in October and is due to run the first technical courses in November.
"Now, for the first time in South Africa, there will be an institution where bicycle mechanics can go and learn their trade, ultimately to become a professional bicycle Technician and get local and international recognition for it. Effectively this will put the occupation of a Bicycle Technician on the map and provide much needed recognition," said Graeme Stickells, partner of the Torq Zone Academy.
Following the success of the South Africa launch, further expansion is planned outside of England, with discussions progressing with 4 other countries currently, alongside the development of more UK training locations in 2015.
Get qualified
As a now internationally recognised qualification, there has never been a better time get your staff qualified here in the UK.
With Cytech courses encompassing the basics of cycle mechanics right through to dealing with the most advanced and high-tech components and parts, there is a course and qualification to suit all staff.
From taking a first step toward becoming a fully qualified cycle technician with Cytech theory one - an interactive online distance learning course, providing a strong foundation for candidates to build their career upon - to Cytech technical three which represents the pinnacle of technical proficiency.
Click here to find out more about the complete range of Cytech courses and get qualified today.
ACT members benefit from a minimum 10% discount on all Cytech training. Click here to read more.