Torq Zone Academy - One Year In
Posted on in Cycles News
Cytech, the training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians, has now been delivering technical training to the cycle trade and enthusiasts outside the UK for one year via Torq Zone Academy in South Africa.
Since launching the training centre in November 2014, Torq Zone has trained mechanics in courses ranging from Home Mechanic to Cytech three (and everything in between!)
Technical one was the first course to be introduced back in November and is currently the most popular of the courses. At the start of 2015 Technical 2 and Home Mechanic were introduced, with Technical three finally launching in summer 2015.
Over the last year Cytech South Africa has received endorsement and support from major brands and their distributors, who are encouraging their retail network to invest in the skills of their bicycle technicians, ensuring that the products are built and maintained to the highest standards.
Thanks to the support of these importers, distributors and their brands, Torq Zone Academy received contributions in the form of equipment, frames or components for training purposes.
As well as the backing of major players in the cycle's market, Torq Zone has had many other highlights throughout the year.
In January 2015 the Torq Zone Academy introduced Cytech Technical training to Mike Bradley, the General Manager of Cycling South Africa. Impressed with the scheme, Cycling South Africa pledged its full support to the efforts of Torq Zone Academy and its efforts to register a National Qualification.
The following month Torq Zone introduced the ‘Adopt-a-Technician' programme, which encourages businesses or an individual to sponsor a candidate to complete a Cytech course, with the first candidates successfully completing the course in September 2015.
As part of the exclusive licensing agreement to present Cytech Technical training in South Africa, Torq Zone Academy is required to undergo an annual Quality & Compliance Assessment by the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) based in the UK. In April 2015 ACT Director and founder of PJCS training in the UK, Pete Cowling, carried out the assessment, finding the Torq Zone facility, the training and the trainer to be up to the high standards expected of a Cytech training facility.
Since then Torq Zone Academy has been going from strength to strength. "We've seen unprecedented demand since we started presenting our first courses in November last year," said Graeme Stickells MD Torq Zone Academy.
"It is now quite clear the CytechTM training scheme is set to become the recognised standard and, more importantly, demanded by the cycling fraternity in South Africa much sooner than what we initially anticipated."
Following the success of launching in South Africa, Cytech is now looking to build on these strong partnerships by expanding even further across the world. Cytech is currently in negotiation with parties in 7 countries outside of England to expand the Cytech licensed network in 2016 including Australia, New Zealand, Canada & USA.