Mechanics Courses / Training

[Racheldawn]

Im asuming this is the right section for this queery and thought it would get the attention from techy minds.

Are there are Motorcycle Mechanics / Technicians here and how did you get into it? I know there are apprenticeship routes but Im asuming you would need to find a college or training centre providing a relevant course and they seem to be as rare as rocking horse poo. I found one 10 week course at Cannock College which isnt a recognised qualification, merely for personal gain. Tamworth college provide a part time course but I need to have done the first level first, which they dont seem to provide. I have checked Telford, Stafford, Lichfield and Walsall College, all only provide c*r Mechanic courses.

I was wondering if anyone knows of other types of training centre's or if the level 1 courses are general courses based on cars and bikes, and then you specialise in bikes at level 2 onwards? I have been searching online, phoning and emailing all over the place and no one seems to be able to give me any good advice / information. I even tried learn direct.

There are some home courses which I could start right away and are very tempting but I'd like more hands on traning. At the moment Im reading my Haynes Motorcycle Basic Tech book and finding it really interesting.

I've requested some Motorcycle Mechanics Apprenticeship information from Apprenticeships and the Organisation responsible Automotive Skills which will hopefully get me somewhere! I've also browsed all over The Institute of the Motor Industry and not found anything very helpful. Am I missing something?

Any info would be appreciated!

[stevo as b4]

You could maybe try NEW College in Bromsgrove, as they do alot of Motorcycle mechanics training, and are the U.K. Technical training academy for Harley Davidson M/C.

I did a level 1-2 1 year course there, 2 years ago, which is not a specific industry qualification, but it is recognised in the trade, even though it was primarily a course for your average DIY have a go enthusiast.

[Racheldawn]

Thanks Stevo, I checked it out and only found this course which Im asuming might be what you did . I think Bromsgrove might be about a hour away from where I live at the moment.

[ZaphodBeeble]

I'm currently working as a Motorcycle Techy, my boss is paying for this course at the moment. This course would be valid for an apprenticeship and you can do it from home. It provides an IMI recognised qualification. I've been reading that Haynes Techbook too, it's quite good, even though I have been fixing bikes for years.
____________________
Current bike: VTR1000F Firestorm. Previous: Firestorm (written off) - XJ600 Divvy - NSR125 - DT125 and a load of offroaders.

[Racheldawn]

Ah thats interesting to know because I've looked at that course. Would be a good option if your getting hands on training at work too. I cant view the link at the moment but I think its the same course I have looked at on ICS. I applied for some apprenticeship information but got replies today saying it would be difficult for me to get one because of my age. (Im 24 on April 29th) Im thinking I may get more luck approaching companies myself.

Im only just starting out literally but Im finding the book really interesting. I've got the Haynes Motorcycle Maintenance Tech book too.

Thanks for that!

[Dischord]

The best thing to do is attend college and then approach a bike shop saying you're interested in becoming a bike mechanic. It might be mandatory on some courses to have a work placement. Some companies might send you on factory training courses. They will mainly be looking for young lads though, you're 24 and I assume a girl? It'll be more difficult but definitly possible. I remember a few girls doing light vehicle course in college when I was there.

I always wanted to be a bike mechanic but nothing has ever come of the constant CVs/enquiries I've sent. With summer coming up there will be more work and they might be looking for apprentices
____________________
2012 KTM EXC 250

Check out my vids - https://www.youtube.com/user/KTMSparky/videos

[Racheldawn]

Yerh the few courses I have found seem to require previous traning or employment. I've been googling etc and only really found college courses (very few and not all recognised qualifications) and home study courses.

Potential employers mainly seeking young lads did cross my mind but I dont see why I couldnt learn and do just as good a job. I got a letter and email about apprenticeships today, both warning my age will probably get in the way. Annoying really because Im really keen and age shouldnt really be a factor. Im hardly ancient!

ZaphodBeeble how did you get your Apprenticeship, through the agencies or off your own back? And how long does it take to complete the home course? It doesnt list an estimated duration for the course and wondered if you complete it at your own speed.

Thanks for the advice guys

[edd]

I realise that courses might teach you certain things, and I know you will need want a qualification at the end of it. But I think just having no money and old knackered bikes teaches you loads.

I learnt pretty much everything I know about motorcycle mecahnics by doing what ive had to do. Buy a relatively easy project, and a haynes, and some half decent tools and you will probably learn more in the process than paying for an expensive online course, and you will have a bike at the end of it. Sell that, profit slightly, buy something slightly more difficult. Many members of the forum may well disagree with me but most of my mates have learned things this way, and quite a few of them work in the bike/car trade without formal qualifications. If you start this while you are looking for courses it would cetainly better your chances when speaking to course admissions tutors, and possibly allow you to enter a higher level course if you so wished.
____________________
Bluespark Automotive - Diesel Tuning for Performance and Economy

[Racheldawn]

Thanks Edd, I can completely see your point and sounds interesting / like fun. Some courses have certain entry requirements but I imagine at a college interview you could get yourself on purely by your enthusiasm and what you have learnt off your own back. Might even get lucky the same way job wise.

Im actually looking for a bike at the moment and considered getting a cheap 125 that needs a bit of work. I saw a black 'Honda replica' on ebay but dont know the name 'Jailing'.

[ZaphodBeeble]

[Racheldawn]

Well thats very encouraging to know your age! I think if your reliable and enthusiastic and get yourself out there you should have as good a chance as anyone.

Thanks a lot!

[edd]

Its very likely that you will be able to talk your way onto courses if you know what you are talking about. Ive done so twice, I got onto my mechanical engineering BTEC without ever filling out an application form, and I got a seriously low offer from my university for my mech. eng. degree. Not only that but it will genuinely help knowing a bike inside out. The Jialing 125 is an interesting option, and if you were to use it as a runaround its likely you would need to do a great deal of work on it (chinese bikes tend to break more than regularly) though you might be better off with an older bike with a similar amount of work to do to it. I bought this: https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130084671462&rd=1&rd=1
off ebay the other day. Its scruffy and needs a bit of work, but in the past week, ive fixed the gear linkage, front and rear brakes, changed the oil and filter, rebuilt the forks, repainted the swingarm, forks, and heel guards, fitted grips, rebuilt the snapped throttle tube, cleaned up the exhaust and ordered some clocks and a new front tyre. Once you have done a job once you will be much faster at it next time, and when you have done a job on one bike you will be able to do it on another bike much more easily. Your confidence will climb very quickly, and if you never spend too much on a project you wont ever be too frightened of fu(king it up.

By the way if you do find a suitable course investigate to see if you are able to claim some free money from certain initiatives. There are a few programmes at the minute for women in trades (particularly in engineering but im sure there is similar for mechanics) where you can get grants just for doing an unusual job for a female. Strange I know (and a little unfair imo) but if you can claim it then do
____________________
Bluespark Automotive - Diesel Tuning for Performance and Economy

[Racheldawn]

Thanks for the advice and the tip on the grants, I'll definitly have to try to look into that. I think its fantastic to encourage more women into these types of industires but can also see your point about it being a little unfair! Im signed up for a 10 week personal gain course at my local college for Basic Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair starting April 17th. I thought I could get some hands on experience in a group before I take apart a bike I have paid for! Then I think I'll get a little project like yourself and see how it goes.

I checked out the Derby University website and found a few good motorvehicle courses. A few Engineering / Design aimed courses and a Technical Inspection for Motorsport course which I like the sound of!

Goodluck with completing your project and thanks again