In a bold stride towards professionalising the cycling industry, Torq Zone Academy (TZA), in collaboration with expert volunteers from the SA bicycle industry, is leading the implementation of a suite of bicycle mechanic qualifications under the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This initiative is being done with the support of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), which plays a critical role in funding and facilitating the process. Together, they are laying the foundation for a recognised, sustainable skills pipeline for the cycling industry.
Bicycle mechanics are the unsung heroes of the cycling world. Whether it’s mountain biking, road racing, or gravel grinding, the smooth functioning of our rides – more importantly our safety – rests in their capable hands. Yet historically, the role has been informal and undervalued. With no regulated training framework or recognised qualifications, the work of skilled mechanics has too often been devalued by undercutting, inconsistent service standards, and a misguided focus on short-term gain over long-term sustainability.
Enter the QCTO suite of occupational qualifications: a structured national framework that defines competencies for bicycle assembly, repair, diagnostics, and wheel building. With merSETA’s support, the qualifications are being rolled out to meet both industry and educational needs, ensuring high-quality learning pathways that are fit for purpose. This credible, career-focused route for aspiring, and practicing, mechanics is backed by real industry know-how. The work by TZA, the SMEs, and merSETA is setting the foundation for a more professional, respected, and future-fit bicycle maintenance ecosystem in South Africa.
And we’re not alone. Across Europe, similar reforms have redefined the role of the bicycle mechanic. The Netherlands and Germany have strong vocational systems, England relies on the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) benchmark, and Spain has recently implemented its own national certification. These systems acknowledge that a bike mechanic is not a casual fixer, but a technician critical to rider satisfaction and industry integrity.
At the heart of this evolution lies the local bike shop – not just a place to buy gear, but the social hub of the cycling community. It’s where you get pre-race tune-ups, post-crash repairs, and the occasional life advice. It’s where trust and relationships are forged between riders and mechanics. A qualified mechanic doesn’t just fix bikes; they help shape cycling journeys, inspire confidence, and keep the passion alive.
SA’s bicycle industry must resist the urge to chase quick wins at the expense of long-term growth. An unqualified mechanic may seem cheaper today, but the cost is high – in safety risks, unnecessary wear, and reputational damage. A certified mechanic ensures not just a smoother ride, but a stronger, more sustainable cycling culture.
The work of TZA, the SMEs, and merSETA is about more than mechanics – it’s about uplifting an industry that can ride shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best. As certified technicians emerge, the biggest winners will be the learner, the cyclists, the shops, and the sport itself.
