Established in 2009, Cycle Systems is the leading provider of Level Three training in bicycle maintenance in the UK. Having seen 1000s of students through their courses, they pride themselves on being absolute expert in guiding students through the military resettlement process and in helping people just like you secure outstanding levels of qualification and skills-based success.
Don’t just take their word for it though…
Below is an extract of an interview with Dave Ball – Level Three student in Cycle Maintenance and Repair at Cycle Systems Academy.
What position did you hold in the military?
I was an engineering officer in the royal signals. Basically, my job involved managing communications equipment during peacetime or at war.
How long did you serve?
32 years.
What drew you to bicycle maintenance in the first place?
I started life as a technician working in a workshop at a workbench repairing radios and computers. So, I wanted to get back to my roots – to a workshop environment. I am interested in bicycles and tying the two together means I can bring together a hobby with the kind of work I love.
What do you plan to do with the qualifications you have studied here at Cycle Systems?
My aim is to open a small workshop. Specializing in high end bicycles, because my passion is engineering excellence and I am interested in what I can offer over and above other shops as a mechanical engineer. I see a market opportunity for very high-quality repairs. The high standards here at Cycle Systems reflect this.
How do you feel about running a business?
I feel okay about that actually. I have also worked in defence procurement and have an understanding of how business works on a large scale. I am also planning to do a small business accounting course as part of my resettlement, and I am sure that will stand me in good stead. I’m excited about it.
What do you think of the Cycle Systems Academy?
For service leavers there are two things they want in their training – one is training that’s relevant to the market today, and the other is that the qualification they get is recognized by industry and beyond. Both of those boxes are ticked here.
One of the things I like about the Cycle Systems Academy is that instantly you are working with people who have been in the industry for years. It’s a comfort – the industry obviously sees this as a course they are willing to pay for. The other good thing is that you get to meet people. Through that contact you can understand their opinions of the industry, see here things are going and help to formulate your business plan. If it had only military personnel here it would lack that dimension. It’s a good steppingstone into the world. Also, it has to be said that the quality of the teaching is outstanding – the knowledge here stretches far and beyond, right to the edges of this industry.
Anything else?
I have already recommended the course to others. Plus, I am reaping the benefits already as people are coming to me to have a look at their bike. I need a workshop now!
You can find out more about the courses at Cycle Systems by going to www.cycle-systems.co.uk/pathfinder or call 020 (0) 8638 8824.
