New local bicycle mechanic technician course praised
Athlone Training Centre has been praised for its new bicycle mechanic technician programme, the first intake of which recently completed the course with strong feedback from the participants.
Cllr Frankie Keena, a member of the Longford Westmeath Educational Board (LWETB), commended the work of the management and staff in Athlone Training Centre as they continue to provide an excellent suite of apprenticeships and courses to fill the growing demand of employers.
Cllr Keena said that he made a request to the Athlone Training Centre to offer a bicycle engineering course to the public as the demand and usage of bicycles has increased significantly over the last number of years.
"It is now just fantastic to see that a first bicycle course has been successfully completed within the training centre with strong positive feedback from the participants. There is great scope to expand this course further and I know it is something that the management is considering," he added.
"I would like to sincerely thank LWETB Director of Further Education Antoine Healy and Manager Ronan Murray and his colleague Hugh Connor from Athlone Training Centre for organising this first of many courses on bicycle engineering," said Cllr Keena.
Manager of Athlone Training Centre, Ronan Murray explained that the bicycle mechanic technician programme is the first programme in their bicycle engineering series, and it has been a massive success.
The programme is free to learners and is run over four weeks, three weeks online learning and one week learning workshop skills leading to learners achieving a City & Guilds qualification in bicycle mechanics.
"Learners cover topics such as frame components, tool overview, saddle adjustment, removing and refitting pedals, handlebars & stems, brake fitting and adjustment, truing a wheel, gears rear derailleur and much more," he explained.
"With the uptake in cycling, the move towards more sustainable means of travel and the development of more greenways, including the opening of the much anticipated new Shannon crossing here in Athlone, there is a huge need and demand for qualified, bicycle mechanics across the Midlands and all over Ireland," said Ronan.
Cllr Frankie Keena said that if anyone is interested in learning more about this programme, or any other, contact the LWETB Recruitment team on 0906500061 or send an email to FETRecruitmentRegistrations@lwetb.ie
"The standards and wide variety of courses provided in this facility are just outstanding and so beneficial to the student and employer," he concluded.