I just read that a huge number of shop mechanics have never been formally certified

I was looking at a trade survey from last year and it said something like 65% of working bike mechanics don't have a formal certification from a program like Barnett or UBI. I found it on a forum for shop owners. I mean, I always thought most people went through some kind of school or test, but maybe it's just me. It makes me wonder how shops really judge skill when hiring. Has anyone else seen stats like this, or is my local area just weird?

2 comments

2 Comments

terryk288d ago

That 65% number sounds about right... I learned from an old guy named Sal who mostly fixed bikes by hitting them with a mallet and swearing at the derailleurs. My "certification" was when he finally let me make coffee without screwing it up. I figure most shops just hand you a busted bottom bracket and see if you cry or not.

cameronn628d agoMost Upvoted

Heard the mallet method is still in the official training manual.