We’re launching the first bicycle mechanic traineeship for women and all non binary people in Scotland!

We’re so pleased to announce that a new 3-month pilot traineeship is being launched in January 2022. It will be the first of its kind in Scotland and will provide 4 women and non-binary people with bicycle mechanic training and a level 2 City and Guilds qualification. The traineeship will also provide participants workplace experience, equipment, and post engagement support.
Currently, women and non-binary only ‘Fix Your Own Bike’ spaces exist at Bike for Good, Broken Spoke Cooperative, Bristol Bike Project, and a few other projects. However, bike shops are still largely staffed by men; more support and investment is needed in order to address this. Through gathering feedback from our local community of women and non-binary people, it’s pretty evident that current bike shop spaces are not progressive enough to encourage or equip women to enter the world of bike mechanics.
Our staff member Hannah H said: “The lack of representation of marginalised genders in the cycle mechanic industry is a real problem. We need to train up a critical mass of women & non-binary cycle mechanics in order to address this imbalance and empower all genders to work as mechanics.”
Our new programme will integrate the trainees within Bike for Good, giving them experience in every mechanical role within the organisation. A women-led team will guide and support the trainees. By creating a supportive, inclusive, and diverse environment, it is hoped that the trainees will see a future for themselves in the bike industry.
How to apply
Women and all non-binary people interested in a career in the bike mechanics industry can apply through this link, with interviews will be held in December 2021. This is a pilot project that will be subject to continuous development as it evolves over the coming year; any support (particularly financial) from interested parties is welcome.
Fix Your Own Bike Participant Alex J said: “I would love to learn more about bikes and how they work but I always forget between Spokes not Blokes* sessions. It would be grand if there was a longer course so that women could have the option to learn more mechanical stuff”
Fix Your Own Bike Participant EM said: ‘We need more women and non-binary learning spaces and programmes in the bike world. I just can’t ever picture myself applying to a men majority workshop apprenticeship or training. It would be intimidating and lonely’
This program is funded by Smarter Choices.