Cytech helps turn cyclist's passion into career
Posted on in Cycles News
Turning a passion for cycling into a career opportunity was Mark Fraser's next step when he was made redundant from the oil and gas sector.
The 43-year-old from Inverurie in Aberdeenshire had been a project engineer with STATS Group when he faced redundancy after two-and-a-half years with the firm.
Originally a car mechanic to trade, Mark received support from the Transition Training Fund to undertake Cytech technical training - the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians.
Having gained his qualifications, Mark purchased a local business - Pedal Power Cycle Centre Inverurie - and credits the training with being a key part of enabling his new career.
He said: "I did some research into the cycling retail business and found that - as with everything - the technology on a bike is quickly changing, and someone with my skills could be well placed to work and develop in that environment.
"I found that if I could get the appropriate training and qualifications to enhance my existing mechanical training and skills I would be able to offer an expanded service to cyclists.
"That included hydraulic brake and hydraulic or pneumatic suspension servicing, along with electronic servicing for the growing e-bike market, along with traditional bike servicing.
"I went into Pedal Power to get a part for my bike before an event and a chance conversation with the owner alerted me to the opportunity to purchase the business from him."
Mark first heard about the Transition Training Fund through a local radio advert and information provided by the HR department at his previous employer.
Mark then spoke to Corinne Milligan, a careers adviser at Skills Development Scotland (SDS) who administer the Transition Training Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government.
"I went down to Stafford for two weeks and did the courses with ATG training as they are approved by the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT). As a business we have also become full members of the ACT, which we are very proud of.
"Passing the Cytech qualification has enabled us to differentiate the business from the traditional bike shop and offer enhanced servicing and repair capabilities for the growing road, mountain and e-bike markets alongside mechanical servicing and repairing of all types of bikes."
Having taken over Pedal Power Inverurie in August, Mark says he's got off to a great start.
"It's been fantastic," he said.
"We've got one employee who we kept on from the previous owner, and he's very busy in the workshop.
"I've been a cyclist for almost 30 years, since I was a teenager and I'm a member of a couple of local cycling clubs that have been very supportive of the business."
Mark would now recommend that other people leaving the oil and gas sector look to the Transition Training Fund as they plan their future.
He added: "It was a real gateway for me to be able to take over this business."
The Transition Training Fund is open to anyone who has worked in the oil and gas sector or in the oil and gas supply chain as an employee or contractor and has either been made redundant or is at risk of redundancy.
Applicants must be actively looking for work and be able to show that the training they wish to undertake will help them find a new job.
Applicants must also live in Scotland, and have either worked in Scotland in their current or previous job or be returning to Scotland to look for work from an overseas post.
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The Cycling Experts is brought to you by the Association of Cycle Traders.