In Troyes, the success of the Marcel à Vélo, the Trojan velib, continues unabated, to the point of creating new competition... to the TCAT buses in the Trojan area.
Since Covid, “People are changing their habits,” noted François Baroin, president of Troyes Champagne Métropole, during the wishes of the community of municipalities on January 12.
“It’s leisure cycling, comfort cycling, work cycling”.
Coincidence of the calendar, it was therefore 3 days later that the interprofessional training center of Pont-Sainte-Marie launched its brand new certification called: Title for Professional Purpose Cycle Mechanic “We were already doing it in Charleville-Mézières,” explains Georges Bell, president of the Alméa Formations Interpro group.
“There is a strong demand for individuals, because sales shops need mechanics, but also for professional cycling teams.
And more and more, it’s becoming an incredible technique.”
An observation which is further increasing with the increasing proportion of bicycle manufacturers emerging in the department.
“Of course we have Cycleurope, but we also have small independents who are doing well, 3 cycles, Yunit Bike (specialized in electrically assisted scooters), Cycles Cadences (made-to-measure French bikes).
They are looking for know-how and labor, whether in mechanics or design.
This is why the opening of this training made sense in Aube,” explains Georges Bell.
Linked training
Six young people are currently involved in the sector, a modest start due to the late obtaining of approval.
But 12 people are already ready to join the adventure from the next school year, and from middle school level, even if adults are welcome: “Currently, we have young people under 16, who were in dropout, but who are passionate about the cycle and repair,” continues Georges Carvahlo, departmental director of Alméa.
Here, the CFA relies on a completely new technical platform, which meets very precise specifications of the professional sector.
“We have a workshop with very specific tools, but also a wide range of around thirty bikes: electric bikes, mountain bikes, small children's bikes, cargo bikes, high-end cycles, etc.
You have to know how to do everything!
» specifies the head of the establishment.
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Simon Robichon, trainer at Almea, is preparing to work for a professional team himself on the weekend.
Anyone who has competed as an amateur will share their passion for the little queen with learners throughout the year.
“We will learn from A to Z in the store how to repair a bike, troubleshoot customers, do sales, everything related to after-sales service, detect anomalies… what is needed so that the bike can start again. good condition,” he lists.
All this in alternation: “They will be there 3 days a week and the rest of the time in the company.
The goal is for them to cover everything, from specialized supermarkets to city center boutiques, high-end bicycle retailers, rental companies as well as self-service bicycle companies,” adds Simon.
This global project responds to a request from the Grand-Est region and its “soft mobility” plan.
Alméa Formations notably invested 120,000 euros in the design of its workshop, and thus obtained authorization to open this professional title, “of which we are very proud!
», underlines Georges Carvahlo, aware of the wide opportunities offered to trained people.