Getting a job in the industry - Cytech or...?

Wethers

Hi folks. Wasnt sure where to post this, just after a bit of career advise really!
I have about 5 months of experience in sales at Evans cycles, but ive been riding, fixing and building bikes at home since i was 18. I quit Evans since i couldnt afford to live on part time wages.
Im now after a full time job in the bike industry, preferably as a mechanic. I have applied to loads but haven't heard anything back.

Do i need:
- a cytech? - very expensive but could be worth it?
- to start an apprenticeship? - £3 per hour, but you learn on the job?

any ideas?

rockmonkeysc

Pay isn't good for bike mechanics. Why not send a CV and letter to suspension tuning companies like TF Tuned and ask about apprenticeships?
Suspension tuning gives more career options later on. Car and motorcycle suspension basically use the same technology.

leemeh

Whats the local market like around your way? I know in my area their seems to be a lot of one man band mechanics doing very well. If you are pretty decent at bike building/services etc then why not do a bit of free local advertising and see where it leads? A chap around my way charges £35 to build mailorder bikes, with a lot of people buying online your average novice would need that help to just feel safe on it. I appreciate you might need a salary but if you have a few months on your side financially and you ate doing nothing right now its worth a look?

Wethers

thanks for the advise folks! Yes Ive found that the pay can be pretty awful for mechanics but will definitely look into specialising into suspension. In the meantime local ads are a good idea. I'll stick an ad in my local paper!