Torq Zone hails early success of Cytech South Africa
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
In the UK, bicycle technicians and traders need little introduction to Cytech, the training and accreditation scheme. Torq Zone Academy's recent successes suggest it's soon to have the same recognition internationally.
Cytech is owned by the UK cycle industry via the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) and over the last 25 years, has led the way in terms of building a nationally recognised qualification for bicycle mechanics, where other countries have lagged behind. Over 8,000 courses have been delivered to more than 3,500 candidates and there are currently over 2,000 Cytech qualified staff employed in the trade.
In recent years cycling has become the fastest-growing sport in South Africa and has created great growth opportunities for the economy. 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 have been realised.
Thanks to a partnership with South Africa's first concept bicycle workshop, the ACT have now been able to establish the Cytech qualification outside the UK for the first time via Torq Zone Academy in Gauteng, creating the first and only training standard for bicycle mechanics in South Africa.
Torq Zone Academy was officially launched at the Africa Cycle Fair exhibition in October 2014 in Johannesburg. The Fair, attended by just over 6000 people, featured all the major cycling brands yet organisers later commented that the Torq Zone Academy stand was one of the most visited and interactive stalls.
At the beginning of September 2014 Park Tool USA, through their local distributor Cape Cycle Systems, were very instrumental and generous with their offer of equipping the site with tools. By 1 November 2014 the site had been fully equipped with 6 work stations and one specialist area.
Since the doors of the training site were officially opened on 1 November 2014, Torq Zone Academy has successfully trained and assessed candidates in Cytech Technical one and Technical Two, as well as enrolling budding technicians in the Cytech theory one course.
The courses run to date have received positive endorsement from all candidates, with many commenting on the quality of the courses and their eagerness to continue learning and perfect their skills by going on more courses in the future. Some of the testimonials from now qualified Cytech technicians, who were candidates of the Torq Zone Academy, can be seen below.
"A great deal of thought has gone into the structure of the course, making it, in my view essential to any mechanic starting off in the industry." Anthony Greenway
"The trainer was patient and he made sure that we understood everything that was taught...he went deep into details of the things that he was teaching us..." Tebogo Mokwatlo
With courses quickly getting booked up and support from the cycling industry in South Africa, Torq Zone is set to go from strength to strength, making Cytech's first international expansion a great success! A success which has paved the way for even more growth worldwide, helping to make Cytech the internationally recognised brand for bicycle technicians.
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.