Go Velo to train cycling instructors to Level 3

Cycle training provider Go Velo is now set up to deliver the national standard Level 3 Award in developing cycling instructors.

There currently exists a severe shortage of cycle training staff in the UK, an issue highlighted by BikeAbility CEO Emily Cherry late last year. As swimming classes are, Emily hopes that in the future the UK Government will commit to making cycle training for all children a requirement; though she explained that, at present, the training offered is neither consistent nor ubiquitous and that current budgets would need to be expanded to achieve her goals for the organisation.

The qualification now offered at GO Velo is OFQUAL recognised and is externally quality assured by 1st4Sport, ensuring participants are assessed in a tutor and assessor role. The course delivers a mix of classroom theory and practical delivery of cycling skills, allowing participants to deliver cycle training and development to other cycling instructors.

Kirsti Grayson, MD of Go Velo commented “it’s amazing to offer the Level 3 Award to cycling instructors who have chosen to take their career to the next level and also become tutors and assessors. This course is about cycling advocacy and developing the skills of instructors so that the national network of cycling instructors can grow. Many of our awesome Level 2 instructors have gone on to take the Level 3 course, which is brilliant, as they are passionate about cycling and wish to spread all the positive benefits to children and adults across the North West and the entire UK. This course encourages the development of the instructor, retaining experience within the industry and allowing great career progression.

Leanne MacDonald is one to recently pass through the course. She said it’s a “really good course with lots of information from a very knowledgeable tutor. I don’t normally enjoy courses, but this was great and I learnt a lot about how to inspire future cycle instructors.”

The course is two days in length and covers everything from teaching the National Standards to knowing how to assess and teach in both a practical and classroom environment.

Once qualified, instructor trainers can deliver the Level 2 award in Instructing Cycle Trainers for a 1st4Sport recognised delivery centre.

The level 3 course is run from Go Velo’s training centre in Barrowford, Lancashire.