Cycle mechanic Job

[Happiness Stan]

I consider myself as a competent home cycle mechanic. Only thing I haven't done is service forks and suspension and build wheels. I don't have any Cytech qualification or anything but everything I do is to a high standard (fair enough, I can give myself all day to do it if i wish.)

Do you think a cycle shop would consider me for a mechanic job? There is one local to me but I don't want to make myself look a prat by calling them.

 

[mr Mag00]

nothing to lose, they may set you a task, may then send you on the training, who knows.

 

[Dayvo]

If you're interested and willing and have a basic-to-good knowledge, then I'm sure they'd be keen to try you out and, if you were up to scratch, then they'd probably teach you along the way!

Nothing ventured . . . !

Good luck.

 

[HobbesChoice]

You won't look a prat at all. It shows a lot of enthusiasm putting yourself forward like that, which may well pay off.

If you don't go in or call them then you already have the answer of "no" but contacting them could change that to a yes.

Good luck.

 

[chillyuk]

When I applied for my first job as a TV engineer in the late 70's the interviewer wasn't interested in my certificates. He sat me down in front of a faulty TV and said fix it. I did, and was hired.

Just bear in mind that working in a professional environment is a world of difference to fiddling in your kitchen or shed.

Good luck.

 

[Happiness Stan]

Another thing. I'm in my 40s. I know ageism shouldn't be a factor, but I always have the impression that young uns are favoured as they are easier to 'manage', plus I'll probably be older than the manager.

 

[mr Mag00]

is it an issue for you?

 

[HobbesChoice]

Hi Stan. Contact them and let them decide whether they'll have a problem with you being older than the manager. I strongly doubt that would be an issue, but you can't assume for them as you may get it wrong.

Just give them a quick call and ask them. They don't even have to know who you are initially, so if they say no then you don't need to avoid the shop either.

Let us know how it goes and when you start?

 

[Happiness Stan]

Right, thanks for the encouragement. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Here goes.

 

[Happiness Stan]

Voice mail. Bah.

 

[chillyuk]

Have you considered a bit of "home office" work. Once people get to know you can fix bikes properly you could be in demand. get a good enough reputation to begin taking work from your LBS and they might either hire a hit man or offer you a job to get you out of the way.

 

[Happiness Stan]

is it an issue for you?

Unfortunately I struggle with low self esteem so I see barriers where often there are none.

 

[HobbesChoice]

Have you considered a bit of "home office" work. Once people get to know you can fix bikes properly you could be in demand. get a good enough reputation to begin taking work from your LBS and they might either hire a hit man or offer you a job to get you out of the way.

That sounds like a good Plan B to me. For now though I think it's best to just give them a call.

 

[Happiness Stan]

Have you considered a bit of "home office" work. Once people get to know you can fix bikes properly you could be in demand. get a good enough reputation to begin taking work from your LBS and they might either hire a hit man or offer you a job to get you out of the way.

Now THERE'S an idea. I never thought of that. I'm self employed in another profession at the moment but things are slow. Doubling up as a S/E home mechanic might be ideal. Although could really do with a regular wage. But thanks for the idea.

 

[mr_cellophane]

You could train as a Bikeability Instructor. Pays about £10 and hour, but is steady work and there is a demand for instructors. Fix bikes at home when you are not teaching the kids.