Solutions to Fix the Bike Mechanic Shortage

Penrith, NSW

Widespread formalisation of training for bicycle mechanics, including a requirement for certification for all in-store mechanics, would be an important step in boosting the perceived legitimacy of cycling as a mode of transport, according to traineeship coordinator Den Brent.

Greater consistency in high-level training not only has safety implications for customers, and a boost in shops’ reputations, it can safeguard and enhance the reputation and appeal of cycling as a whole, especially for people not yet sold on the idea of travelling by bike, according to Dan, from 5 Star Training’s Bicycle Mechanic Training Institute.

He says all of that can add up to a much larger bicycle market and a willingness among bike owners to pay appropriate rates to have their bicycles serviced.

That, in turn, would enable bike store owners to pay higher rates to their mechanics, elevating the status of bike mechanic as a career option and helping to solve a long-running shortage of mechanics throughout Australia.

He says that would close the loop of more skilled mechanics, better reputation of the bike industry and bolstered bicycle market, which could then develop its own momentum.

“A lot of parents don’t see becoming a bike mechanic as a desirable career choice but more as a job until their kids move to something more permanent.”

Dan and the 5 Star Training team will be exhibiting at the 2022 Micromobility Conference & Expo, to raise awareness of the availability and benefits of formalised mechanics training.

They include the Certificate II in Bicycle Mechanical Technology (AUR20320) and Certificate III in Bicycle Workshop Operations (AUR30220) courses offered by the institute.

Educating Parents

He said 5 Star will be using the expo to boost awareness among bike industry members and parents.

“A lot of parents don’t see becoming a bike mechanic as a desirable career choice but more as a job until their kids move to something more permanent,” Dan said.

“We get quite a lot of interest through schools and it’s about convincing parents that being a bike mechanic can go beyond a job fixing bikes in a retail store.

“We’re really pushing the point that it’s a qualification. Parents only want the best for their kids and they don’t know bike mechanics is available as a traineeship, the same as any other trade.”

Dan said they also emphasise the job security in an industry with a considerable shortage of skilled mechanics, as well as the potential to progress to other roles and sectors in the industry.

“Some of the best shop managers come from the workshop and really understand the mechanics of what’s going on in the business,” he said.

“And it’s something that can take them around the world with their work.

“There’s also a huge amount of job satisfaction. To a lot of mechanics, it’s doesn’t even feel like a job because it’s a passion.”

BMTI was established by 5 Star Training in 2015 and operates primarily from its training facilities in Penrith.

The Registered Training Organisation operates all its own course, including specialty classes such as wheel building, suspension services and overhauls and hydraulic brake servicing.

“Stores always have plans in place to train their mechanics but that’s often pushed to the back of the list because they get too busy and can’t deliver the training,” he said.

It often just takes that initial step to get a training plan in place.

“If there’s a serious incident because of the way a bike has been built or serviced, you really don’t want it to be the result of a kid who’s been asked to put a bike together and hasn’t had any formal training.”

“A lot of the time, once we provide the training plan it becomes a roadmap to make sure they tick off each of their traineeship’s requirements within the 18 to 24 months. It makes sure the training gets done and not just left on the to-do list,” he said.

“Too often it’s just a case of ‘where did you work, who did you work for, can you put a big together? Okay you’ve got the job’. It’s been like that forever.

“There’s no enforced requirement for people to have some qualification to work in a shop and we need to progress towards that situation. So how do we change that?”

He said while there are a lot of mechanics with a mountain of knowledge, it’s essential to have a system that ensures consistency and minimum levels of competency.

“Consistency is also about safety. If there’s a serious incident because of the way a bike has been built or serviced, you really don’t want it to be the result of a kid who’s been asked to put a bike together and hasn’t had any formal training,” he said.

“We also need to get wages up to a level where it’s seen more as a career choice. People often can’t support families on a bike mechanic salary, so they often have to more on to other areas in the industry, which then contributes to that shortage of mechanics.”

For more information, visit Dan at the expo, email him at dan@5startraining.com.au or phone 5 Star Training on (02) 4722 2471.