GRANGER, Ind. (BRAIN) — The Department of Labor recently approved retailer Mike Shapiola's request to declare Bicycle Repair Technician apprenticeable.
The Office of Apprenticeship letter to Shapiola, owner of Spin Zone Cycling, said it received and agreed with bike industry input to grant the request. Several industry professionals wrote letters to the Department of Labor advocating for the distinction from solely an occupation.
Apprenticeable occupations generally are learned through a program of on-the-job supervised training combined with instruction to meet industry standards. Other apprenticeable occupations are Automobile Service Technicians and Mechanics, Plumbers, and Pharmacy Technicians.
"My next step is to start a National Bicycle Service Technician Program for mechanics who have been working in the field and are looking to have a recognized organization to standardize training with a clear career path," Shapiola said.
The National Bicycle Service Technician Program outlines that path and options for obtaining training from approved institutes. Similar to the Automotive Service Excellence certification, the program will incorporate training at colleges like Northwest Arkansas Community College that offer a curriculum. He said he plans to work with United Bicycle Institute, Appalachian Bicycle Institute, and the Bicycle Industry Employers Association.
Developing industry standards for training also would help shops establish a salary structure, Shapiola said, based on keeping training up to date and performance.
Shapiola encourages mechanics, industry leaders, and shop owners to contact him at mike@spinzonecycling.com with questions, comments, or ideas.
