

- Location
Online with two compulsory block courses (in Central Otago) and 160 hours of work experience at any suitable bicycle workshop in New Zealand
- Duration
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time not available
- Credits
- 60
- Level
- 3
- Start
- 21 February
25 July
7 November - Apply
- Now
-
LocationIntakeStudy breaks
-
Central Otago15 February 202110 May 2021 - 21 May 2021
-
Central Otago2 August 202125 October 2021 - 5 November 2021
-
Central Otago8 November 202127 December 2021 - 7 January 2022
Gain the skills you need to stand out in this rapidly growing industry.
New Zealand’s exciting recreation, sport and tourism industries are developing quickly. A qualification in bicycle servicing could be what you need to turn your passion into a career in one of these areas.
Offering you a flexible learning environment through a blend of practical block courses, online learning and workplace experience, previous learners have enjoyed the chance to successfully fit their around other work or study commitments.
Small class sizes provide an efficient and adaptable environment in which to learn your practical skills and your work experience will give you a valuable first foot in the door for future employment.
Previous graduates have gone on to work in, and start, a range of bicycle industry, import and tourism businesses. This qualification could also be your springboard into working as a specialist service provider, a mechanic within professional racing teams, or living the dream of working and playing whilst travelling abroad.
Our New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics (Level 4) provides the perfect next study step if you’re keen to take your skills to an advanced level.
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection criteria
Applications are processed on a first come-first served basis until the programme has reached its capacity.
Pathways into the programme
If you need to improve your English language skills, our New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 2) will be the perfect place to start.
Additional costs
You will need to cover your travel, food and accommodation costs during the block courses.
You will study
During this programme, you will learn how to:
- Work safely and efficiently in a professional bicycle workshop
- Service an extensive range of bicycle components spread across all bicycle systems:
- Frame Preparation
- Tires and Hubs
- Steering
- Brakes
- Drive Train
- Shifting
- Suspension
- Assemble full bicycles, systems, components, parts, and accessories
- Gain and understanding and knowledge of the global and local bicycle industry.
Graduate outcomes
Outcomes | Credits |
Operate safely in a workshop environment under limited supervision and select, use, and maintain equipment and tools appropriate for undertaking routine bicycle service and repair tasks | 8 |
Assemble, service, adjust, and test a range of bicycle systems and system componentry in accordance with legislation, and safety and industry standards | 40 |
Perform warranty and routine servicing requirements in accordance with manufacturer specifications to fulfil retailer obligations | 5 |
Apply product knowledge to effectively communicate within the workplace to assist customers with warranty and servicing, and with the purchase of bicycle components and accessories | 5 |
Understand career opportunities, and the New Zealand Bicycle Industry supply-chain for career progression and comprehensive understanding of the industry and its functioning | 2 |
Total | 60 |
Your workload and block course dates
You will need to study online by distance for 10-12 hour per week and attend two, fortnight-long block courses (held at Otago Polytechnic's Central Campus in Cromwell). This equates to 30 hours per week. In addition, you will need to complete 160 hours of industry work experience (which equates to 40 hours per week) at any suitable bicycle workshop within New Zealand. The Programme Manager will assist you with finding a work experience placement/reference if required.
Block Courses
To be confirmed for 2022
Further study options
Continue to expand your skills with the New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics (Level 4) offered at our Central Otago campus.
Student loans and allowances
Full-time domestic students of this programme are eligible for student loans and allowances (dependent on age and financial circumstances.) Please contact Studylink for additional information. Phone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz