Nancy Langfeldt Bicycle mechanic Level 2 Certificate in Cycle Mechanics at Bikeworks, London
Despite forcing thousands out of work, the economic downturn has given some individuals the impetus to change their lives. Nancy Langfeldt left her job as a civil servant after recognising the threat of redundancy. Since then, she’s held down several jobs, including work at Birmingham Bike Foundry, a not-for-profit workers’ co-operative that refurbishes discarded bicycles and distributes them back into the local community. To help fortify the collective’s
positive impact, Nancy was awarded a City & Guilds bursary to help her study for her Level 2 Certificate in Cycle Mechanics. Every year, City & Guilds offers bursaries to help promising learners realise their ambitions. ‘Being awarded the bursary was a great vote of confidence,’ says Nancy. ‘I felt like my aims were recognised and valued.’ The future is looking bright for
Nancy, and she already has big plans. ‘I want to be in a position where I can contribute to Birmingham Bike Foundry being a sustainable co-operative that can support me and my fellow workers,’ says Nancy. ‘I’d love to be training new mechanics myself, particularly more women.’