Bicycle Mechanic
Project overview
Action 21’s Re-Use shops accept and sell donated goods to reduce the number of useful items going to landfill and to raise money for sustainability projects in the local community. Last year The Recycle Warehouse diverted over 100 tonnes of rubbish from landfill!
We receive lots of bike donations in various states of disrepair and so a dedicated team of volunteers work with our Bike Co-ordinator to fix the bikes up so that they are safe to re-sell to the public.
Principal Function of Volunteer
As a Bike Mechanic Volunteer you’ll be involved in diagnosing and making bike repairs. We provide internal training to all of our bicycle mechanics. You will have opportunities to work creatively to display bikes for sale and will be able to build relationships with Action 21’s other volunteers and staff.
We also hold Dr Bike sessions throughout the year in schools and at local events. This gives people a chance to bring their bikes along for a free health check. Recently we’ve held Dr Bike sessions at The Warwick Cycle Races and Warwick University.
Tasks and Activities
As a volunteer you will carry out some or all of the following activities, depending on your individual capabilities and preferences. This list is only a guide to the types of activities that may be required.
- Diagnosing bicycle repairs
- Completing a job sheet to fully repair and service bicycles
- Various jobs to keep the bike workshop clean and well maintained
- Pricing up bicycles
- Talking to customers about bicycles for sale
- Helping out at Dr Bike events
Benefits
We value our volunteers and aim to fully support them in their volunteering. As part of this commitment we hold regular review sessions so we can check that you’re enjoying your volunteering placement and that your needs are being met. We also believe that volunteers should not be out of pocket for donating their time and effort and so we pay back all volunteers’ reasonable travel expenses.
Skills/Qualifications/Experience sought
Although some experience of fixing bicycles would be preferred it is not essential as full training and support will be provided. We ask individuals to be enthusiastic about the role and willing to learn to work using their initiative.
This role would provide excellent work experience, especially for people pursuing a career in bicycle mechanics or similar practical jobs.
Minimum age: 16
Time commitment required
Volunteers usually commit to a minimum of 1 shift of 3 ½ hours per week (9:30am-1pm or 1pm-4:30pm, Tue-Sat) but please speak to us about your circumstances are there is some flexibility. If you have the time to volunteer for a full day (9:30-4:30pm) we’ll even give you a free lunch!
Training, Reviews & Support
General
- Registration session with Amy, The Volunteer Development Worker to provide an overview of Action 21 and what volunteering on our projects involves. Also gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have.
- Project Induction with the Bicycle Workshop Co-ordinator
- End of probation review session (after 4 weeks or sessions of volunteering; with Amy and/or Bike Co-ordinator as appropriate)
- 6 monthly review sessions with Amy
Job Specific Training
- In-house bicycle training and support
Expenses
You can claim back reasonable expenses for travel. How you go about claiming back these costs will be explained in more detail during your induction.
If you have the time to volunteer for a full day (9:30-4:30pm) we’ll even give you a free lunch!
Dress Code
No open toed shoes
Location
We’ve now moved and expanded our Bicycle Workshop to our new Re-Useful Centre at 5 Ramsey Road, Sydenham, Leamington Spa, CV31 1PL (01926) 453 030.
Please ask us for travel directions including local buses.