Places Remain for Free and Fast-Tracked Mechanic Qualifications
Sydney, NSW
Spots are still available in the Bicycle Mechanic Training Institute’s (BMTI) new fast-tracked and fee-free course enabling experienced bicycle mechanics in NSW to gain nationally recognised qualifications.
BMTI, a subsidiary of 5 Star Training and Consulting, is participating in the NSW Government’s Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program to enable seasoned mechanics to increase their financial stability, job prospects and employability by completing a course qualification.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program gives them an alternative to the traineeship to gain a Certificate III in Bicycle Workshop Operations (AUR30220), which has been in place for several years but has not been a requirement for the industry.
The State Government is covering the full cost of training for all participants who can complete the qualification by 30th June 2024.
5 Star’s Bicycle Mechanic Trainer & Assessor / Traineeship Coordinator, Dan Brent, said the requirements for the qualification can be completed within a month if participants already have the necessary demonstrated skills.
“Most experienced bicycle mechanics that don’t require any gap training can complete the whole portfolio in four weeks if they’re proactive,” he said.
“We just need to have the preliminary paperwork in by May next year, but it pays to have it in place soon so we can identify is any gap training is required.”
Meeting High Demand for Skills
Bike mechanics are among 56 industries included in the Trade Pathways Program to address high demand for skilled workers.
All qualifications are made up of unique units of competency, with a total of 28 units in the Certificate III in Bicycle Workshop Operations – 16 core units and 12 electives.
Core units include assembling new boxed bikes for retail and working in a retail environment, as well as units for the servicing, repair and overhaul of bike drivetrains, brakes, suspension and wheels.
Elective options include maintaining specialist bicycle repair tools, repairing bike frames, effective communication and packing bikes for transportation.
Participants who complete the program receive formal documents to support their knowledge and skills in a specialist subject.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the bicycle mechanic course, participants must meet the ‘Smart and Skilled’ eligibility criteria, be at least 21 years old, have a minimum of two years’ work experience in the bike industry and need to be currently employed in the sector.
Applicants must not be a current apprentice or trainee, or if a cancelled apprentice, that cancellation must be more than six months ago.
They must also be living or working in NSW, and an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, Humanitarian Visa holder or a New Zealand citizen.
Applicants for the course conduct a self-assessment of their current skills and knowledge, and can participate in any gap training as required.
They then submit a resumé letter, accompanied by an employer reference letter, as well as a portfolio of documents to support the candidate’s competency, such as job cards and certificates of prior learning.
To request an RPL pack or for further information, please email info@5startraining.com.au, visit www.5startraining.com.au/bmti/home or phone (02) 4722 2471.