Transitioning into mechanic: Bob Skivington’s story

CASE STUDY

Final Rank: Captain
VRQ level 3 Cycle Mechanic and Frame Building

My venture was in bicycles and Downland Cycles made gaining those qualifications easy. I completed the Frame Building course and Bike Mechanic level 3 (Professional). Finding the courses I wanted was easy using the ELCAS website, and booking each module was no hassle whatsoever.

‘The training was mature, easy-going and catered for all levels of experience, with a well-stocked workshop and plenty of room for six students. The majority of the Mechanic course was taught by one instructor, with the odd lesson taken by another, maintaining continuity. The accommodation slept six students and was on-site, which is ideal, allowing for late-night revision. It was warm, with a TV, fridge as well as plenty of reading material. There was enough space not to be in one another’s pockets. Three meals per day are provided, all of which are very good. Refreshments are also provided throughout the day, and all food is included in the accommodation cost.

‘Support after the course is just a phone call away, with the option to attend refresher courses whenever needed in the future. The only additional charge for this is accommodation if you would like it. As a leaving gift you are awarded a CD with all the information and links you will need, as well as a Downland Cycles T-shirt, not to mention some new friends.

‘Downland Cycles is exactly what a Service leaver needs to prepare. The staff have a wealth of experience and give advice over and above what you would expect; an offer to assist you with setting up in business with trade accounts is also given.

‘I can highly recommend, and commend, Bryan, Julie and team for the service and support they provide to our Service leavers.’

Check out some of Downland’s other success stories …

• Mark now works as a sales and mechanic professional at Bike Park Wales
• Terry works at West End Cycles in Conwy
• Steve Drewery works at Carbon Bike Solutions in Derbyshire
• Steve Anderson works at Halfords
• Tony Arnell has set up his own business, including sport science and bike fitting
• Joe Joseph has set up a successful and expanding business at www.onyoucycle.co.uk
• Congratulations also go to Craig McClelleand, who has set up a business – Spokey Cycle Maintenance – following level 3 Cycle Mechanics training with Downland
• Andy Setchfield trained with Downland and now has a successful cycle business, Setchfield Cycles, which includes MTB leader training
• David Torbitt who completed Downland’s training in 2012 and now works in Blöte bike shop in Germany
• Steve Gaze owns a mobile cycle mechanic business in the Forest of Dean, Road 2 Trail.

Get in touch

01227 709706
julie@downlandcycles.co.uk
www.downlandcycles.co.uk

See the advertisement on page 33