*Eimear Brophy, Further Education & Training Manager, Paul Patton, FET Director and Cllr Joe Leddin, talking bikes with Martin Mannering owner of the High Nelly Bike Centre. Photograph: Keith Wiseman
With renewed interest and increased growth in bicycle usage driven in part by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board in co-operation with the Mid West Regional Skills Forum has just launched Ireland’s first Bicycle Engineering Traineeship.
The new traineeship will empower participants with knowledge and skills in foundation engineering, specifically professional bicycle maintenance process. Developed in partnership with the Bicycle Engineering Academy, participants will study the maintenance, design and engineering of eBicycles and commercial work bicycles.
Commenting on the launch of the new traineeship, Eimear Brophy, Further Education and Training Manager, Limerick Education and Training Board, said: “Cycling is an essential part of a solution in decarbonising our transport system. This ETB partnership with the Bicycle Engineering Academy is timely in enabling participants to pursue training in bicycle maintenance and bicycle mechanics, which are skills that will be needed in the future.”
Traineeships combine learning in an education and training setting with learning in the workplace. They provide participants with job-specific training and workplace coaching with an employer. Typical modules will include: engineering principals, bicycle engineering history, frame geometry, wheel building and design, brake systems, gear systems, cycling dynamics and professional bicycle mechanics. Participants will also study e-Bicycle design, repairs and electronics. On successful completion, graduates will gain a Certificate in Cycle Mechanics and four independent qualifications, as well as professional work experience.
Welcoming the new traineeship, Joe Leddin, Mid-West Regional Skills Forum, said: “With the growth of cycling throughout the recent pandemic, we saw many families use cycle lanes and availing of quieter streets in Limerick City, for example, to cycle. The new Programme for Government has the potential to transform transport in Ireland and grow the cycle industry throughout the country. So this new traineeship is vital to meet the demand for people suitably skilled and qualified to work in this area.”
To apply online today, click here or for more information on the course, call Mary on 061 487 987, or email fetraheen@lcetb.ie.
