The local cycling industry took another step towards formalising the dark art of bicycle repairs with the launch of the Association of Cycling Traders (ACT) UK accredited Torq Zone Academy. The Academy, will be offering Cytech™ Technical Scheme qualifications to would-be bicycle mechanics who enrol in their courses, the first of which starts in October 2015.
The courses will be presented by Torq Zone Cycles in Centurion and Graeme Stickells, partner of the Torq Zone Academy explained the rationale behind introducing the concept to South Africa as follows: “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. The occupation ‘Bicycle Mechanic’, against which a National Qualification could be developed, is recorded on the Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO), a framework listing all occupations in South Africa. Torq Zone intends to take the lead in developing a National Qualification for bicycle technicians which will be registered on the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF).”
It’ll also give you the peace of mind that your precious machine will be in good hands, especially when you can’t take it to your usual bike shop.
For more information go to www.torqzoneacademy.co.za or follow @TorqZoneAcademy on Twitter.
