WORKSHOP
professionalism of the industry as a whole,” adds Harrison. “To maintain Cytech Master Technician status, a candidate must have achieved a Cytech Technical Three qualification or passed an assessment within the last three years, demonstrating up-to-date knowledge and understanding through regular, validated evaluations.”
Cytech Tech Forum and partnerships Those who are active on social media may have come across the recently-created Cytech Forum. Debuted in March, the Facebook group allows Cytech- qualified mechanics to connect and share ideas, tips, hints and technical advice. “The idea for the forum stemmed from our increased
marketing efforts, as we recognised the need to strengthen Cytech’s brand awareness, especially in territories where we have limited presence,” explains Harrison. “We began creating more Instagram Reels with a light-
Partnerships with the likes of Park Tool have proven successful
“Late last year we relaunched the theory one online learning course to include a new module on bicycle types, anatomy and fitting, as well as new additions on e-bike legislation and e-bike battery safety.” “Lately we’ve been looking at E-Bike course delivery because that technology is developing so quickly so we have to review it frequently and comprehensively. We are reviewing the Technical Two course materials at the moment, which is the biggest course we do. Once we’ve done that, we will move on to Technical Three.” An additional part of maintaining standards across the industry is the Continual Professional Development (CPD) to maintain Cytech Master Technician status. The status is an initiative that aims to raise the profiles
of Cytech technicians at an individual level, enabling them to take ownership of the qualifications they have achieved and use them to promote their skills. “Being trained through the Cytech scheme and gaining the experience needed to become a Cytech master technician takes a lot of time, effort and dedication and we recognise the investment that mechanics put into themselves to further their career as well as the
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hearted twist to highlight the workshop. The reels are simply a fun way to engage with people, sharing workshop tips and tricks. Some of these Reels have gone viral, with over one and a half million views, which is incredible. “What we noticed was that many of those engaging with us were professional mechanics. It became clear they wanted a space to discuss workshops and tools but didn’t necessarily want to use Instagram for that purpose and from there the Cytech Tech Forum was born.” “Fast forward to today, and we have over 750 group members who regularly post and all of that growth has been entirely organic.”
That organic growth is something which Cytech and Harrison are continuing to develop in other areas of the business as well. “We frequently receive interest from brands wanting
to align with Cytech, and we’re eager to expand these partnerships in the coming months,” he says. “We already work closely with Madison, and by extension, Finish Line and Park Tool.”
This collaboration offers those brands the opportunity
to showcase their products to a trade and consumer audience. “We offer a range of options, from general brand sponsorship packages and co-branded courses to product placement opportunities, or we can tailor something more specific,” explains Harrison. “If a brand wants to supply products for our workshops, that’s an option—but I always ask, ‘how can we elevate this further?’
“In a time when budgets are shifting and businesses seek greater value from their activities, we’re able to offer something distinct.”
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