Bicycle Mechanic

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Bicycle Mechanic. A qualified learner will be able to: • Assemble new bicycles and apply safety procedures. • Perform minor and major services to maintain bicycles (excluding suspension and wheel building). • Examine and repair bicycles and replace and repair components and accessories, such as hydraulic brake systems, driving chain mechanism, advanced wheels, etc. • Supervise teams and activities in the bicycle workshop to ensure productivity and quality and provide advanced technical advice to the team.

The Occupational Certificate: Bicycle Mechanic is designed to provide learners with the fundamental knowledge and to equip them with the skill required to operate as a Bicycle Mechanic. A Bicycle Mechanic fits, maintains, services and repairs the mechanical and the related non-motorised equipment of bicycles. The maintenance and repair of bicycles is unarguably regarded by many as the dark side of the industry. This is largely due to the fact that bicycle technician training is continuing in an informal, haphazard manner which is not conducive to meeting customer expectations and industry requirements. Bicycle Technicians are currently either self-taught, and/or taught in-house through informal, unstructured means which offer no certification or recognition of learning achievement and no articulation to other occupational qualifications, thereby limiting career opportunities and personal growth and development. This qualification is aimed for school-leavers who have an interest in repairing bicycles especially from deep rural communities where bicycles are used as means to commute. Persons currently employed as Bicycle Mechanics with years of working experience but with no formal recognition will also have access to this qualification. Upon qualifying learners may engage as Bicycle Mechanics within large, chain type retailers or smaller independent cycle shops which have a workshop section and will be able to operate as entrepreneurs supplying repair and servicing services to clients nationally. This qualification supports the long term provincial strategy of cities/metros to cut down on emissions in support of a cleaner and greener environment. The health and wellbeing benefits of cycling have been extensively researched. South Africa is the host of some of the two biggest international cycling events which attract international and local tourism and participants who will need repair and servicing of bicycles. Generally there is an increase in imports and sales of bicycles in South Africa contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 2 with Communication.

• Examine, troubleshoot and solve problems related to any two of the following bicycle systems: hydraulic brakes, suspension system, electronic group set, frame problems, advanced components and high-end wheel sets.
• Conduct advanced componentry disassembly, servicing/replacement, installation and adjustment of any two of the following advanced components: hydraulic brakes, suspension system, electronic group set, rear shock bushing replacement and pivot servicing.
• Build an advanced rear wheel (straight pull spoke or fat bike wheel build) to produce a wheel which is correctly dished and trued both laterally and radially within tolerances.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the technical aspects and underpinning theory of bicycle construction, assembly and repair.
• Supervise bicycle workshop operations, achievement of targets and problem solving.