New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Servicing (Level 3)

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

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