How rise in pedal power across the UK is creating new job opportunities
GET on your bike and find a job in the cycling sector.
Rising petrol prices and the push to be greener have seen bike journeys increase 11 per cent since before the pandemic in 2019.
And as more people take to two wheels, more jobs are being created in the industry.
A new report from The Bicycle Association shows that expanding cycling even further could deliver up to 130,000 new jobs by 2030.
This represents 6.5 per cent of the Government’s Green Jobs Taskforce goal of two million new roles.
Cycling in Britain is a bigger employer than the steel industry, supporting 69,000 jobs ranging from technical positions to sales, training, administration, construction and delivery.
Experts estimate the sector delivers £7.5billion in economic value, including £1.2billion in direct economic benefits and tax, with a further £600million from cycle tourism, events and infrastructure.
The Bicycle Association says promoting cycling to replace cars for journeys from two to ten miles could also improve high streets, leading to an uplift in local spending.
The Bicycle Association’s executive director Steve Garidis said: “It is time for the Government to recognise the value, opportunities and needs of the cycle industry, as well as the role we can play in ensuring the UK meets its net zero and economic growth ambitions.”
Roles in the cycling industry include cycle technicians, with an average salary of £31,000, bicycle designers and engineers, averaging £36,000, and local authority cycling leads, paying on average £45,000.
Jeyda Heselton is the founder of Fettle, a network of bike repair stations.
The 31-year-old set up the company after working in the transport sector and discovering that bikes are projected to outsell cars across Europe by two-to-one within eight years.
The firm recently opened repair workshops in a number of Kwik Fit centres in Bristol and London.
Jeyda, from South London, said: “Private car travel in cities is set to decline but bikes are booming.
“All these bikes are going to need servicing and repairs, so we set up Fettle to help meet that demand.
“The spin we bring is to use as much tech as possible to provide a smooth, modern customer experience.
“If you want to get a job in cycling, then get involved in cycling events or join local cycling groups — you’ll have fun while also making lots of great contacts and hearing about opportunities.
“There are also lots of jobs advertised on bike industry websites. Don’t be put off by the required skills list. It’s perfectly possible to learn new things quickly and easily.”
Interested in working at Fettle?
See fettle.cc/company/work-with-us.
- Search for cycling-related jobs at cycleassociation.uk/jobs, bikebiz.com/jobs and cyclinguk.org/cycling-uk-jobs.
Profile must be A1 not AI
USING AI headshots to revamp your LinkedIn profile is the latest social media craze, with “how to” TikTok videos amassing millions of views.
But HR experts have warned against this option.
Neil Finegan of DLC Training, says: “Like any trend which can impact your career, it’s important for users to weigh up the benefits as well as look at any larger problems which might arise.
He explains more below . . .
- Consider consequences. AI headshots can raise concerns about your authenticity. Is that how you want to come across?
- Some AI creations can look nightmarish. Be very careful with how you’re choosing to represent yourself or your business online. Always do a thorough check of the final image to make sure there are no mistakes to avoid potential embarrassment with a future or current employer.
- It’s crucial to check any terms and conditions as well as app permissions before uploading any of your own images. Some platforms may even retain the rights to the generated images, so always check the small print.
- If you are looking for a new job, these kinds of images can lack the human touch and personal element which might help you stand out.
- Hiring managers and colleagues will be much more impressed with a genuine image that might be a little bit imperfect over a characterless AI version.
Vantastic Xmas deals
SANTA only gets a mince pie – but new drivers for parcel firm Packfleet can bag a sackful of benefits this Christmas.
All new starters will receive free lunch and snacks every day that they are on the road.
They will be paid above the Real Living Wage level of £12 an hour, or £13.15 in London, and can order gifts for friends and family, with £30 a month to spend at merchants who use the firm, Hurr and Oh Polly.
CEO Tristan Thomas said: “It’s only fair we treat drivers right – especially at a time that’s notoriously busy.”
You can apply at packfleet.com/drivers.
Help to count on
DO your maths skills add up?
This week is Number Confidence Week, when you can find free maths courses to boost your employability.
Minister for Education Robert Halfon said: “Maths is vital in enabling everyone to climb the ladder of opportunity towards better jobs, better prospects and better options for the future.
“We are helping adults boost their confidence with numbers and some of the schemes are free, including our Multiply programme, which helps adults get better numeracy skills.”
There are also fully funded courses for jobseekers who need GCSEs or other qualifications in maths.
Find out what’s on offer at skillsforlife.campaign.gov.uk/courses/multiply.
Job spot
COME and work for The Sun.
News UK is seeking apprentice journalists plus sales and marketing executives.
Apply at newscareers.co.uk/vacancies.
Greener poppies
THIS year’s Royal British Legion poppy for Remembrance Day will be extra special.
Tony Bellas, from Cumbrian papermaker James Cropper, has created a plastic-free poppy which can be recycled in paper recycling collections.
Tony, 54, began his career as a YTS trainee in 1986 and is now the firm’s master colour blender.
He said: “The colour recipe that we use to create the red and green colours of the poppy are only used for this occasion.
“You’ll never see those colours anywhere else. Every year, when I see the sheets of red paper made for the poppies I feel so proud. It is definitely one of the most rewarding jobs.”
To work with Tony and to see other roles, visit jamescropper.com.
Jobspot
ACORN BY SYNERGIE needs 300 drivers for seasonal delivery roles.
Visit acornpeople.com/drivingjobs.