An internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians, Cytech, is to open a “high-end” training facility at The Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun in Dublin next week.
The Rediscovery Centre, which is the National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland, said it was “thrilled” with the partnership.
Cytech was created by the UK bicycle industry over 30 years ago and has since expanded to offering courses in over 50 countries, although Cytech said that The Rediscovery Centre location is one of only seven of its high-end training centres worldwide. The others are located in Australia, South Africa, Canada, Scotland and England.
Sarah Miller, chief executive of the Rediscovery Centre, said: “With increased focus on the promotion of active travel, it is vital that we have a skilled workforce to maintain the bicycles on our roads, and make the most of the resources we already have available to us. This partnership will enable Rediscovery Centre to continue to exemplify excellence and best practice in bike reconditioning and in the delivery of accredited training for bicycle technicians.”
Jonathan Harrison, a spokesperson for the Association of Cycling Traders, which set up and owns Cytech, said “Opening a dedicated training centre in Ireland is a crucial step for Cytech in the European market and finding the right partner was key. We feel that our new partnership with the Rediscovery Centre is the perfect fit, and we’re looking forward to working together to continue developing Cytech in Ireland, Europe and internationally.”
He added: “We’re extremely pleased to be able to offer the Irish bike trade Cytech courses in Ireland which we know will be welcome news.”
Although set up by the UK cycle industry, Cytech works with others and some of the world’s leading bicycle distributors. It said that it has delivered over 25,000 technical training courses.
Mark Dunn, programme manager of Rediscover Cycling at the Rediscovery Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to be joining the Cytech provider network and be part of such a major event in the Irish bicycle industry. Cytech qualifications have long been seen as the premium training standard, and will now be far more accessible to candidates in Ireland.”
He added: “The Rediscovery Centre has a wealth of experience in delivering workshops and reskilling trainees, and will now offer accredited training to further push the quality of our output, and that of the Irish bicycle industry as a whole.”