SuperBike Factory launches apprenticeship programme

Macclesfield based SuperBike Factory, Europe’s largest retailer of used motorbikes, has launched a new apprenticeship scheme to train more people to properly maintain and service bikes.

The new scheme has been launched in partnership with EMTEC, the automotive brand of Nottingham College, close to its second showroom in Donington. It is hoped the new apprenticeship offer will help reduce an ongoing challenge for the motorbike industry which historically has lacked structured training programmes for technicians.

The first cohort of trainees, including a mix of school leavers and mature students, will provide hands-on training to service and maintain bikes across a range of brands and engine sizes from 125cc to 2000cc. On completion of the course, apprentices will be able to apply to join the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Professional Register to verify themselves and time-served technicians to the wider public and other employers.

Scott Behrens, SuperBike Factory CEO and co-founder, said:

“The UK motorcycle industry is historically fragmented with consumers consistently underserved due to a lack of well trained, experienced technicians.

With the launch of our apprenticeship programme, SuperBike Factory, in partnership with Emtec, is looking to change that, establishing the training and support structures necessary to equip the next generation of quality technicians.

We’re delighted to be welcoming eight new apprentices to the SuperBike Factory family and we hope to welcome a second cohort of recruits in September this year.”

Lisa Wilson, executive director for employer services at Nottingham College, said:

“We work with some of the world’s most well known and leading automotive brands and are proud to be working in partnership with SuperBike Factory to provide their apprentices with first class training.

“We are looking forward to partnering with a business that is leading the way in modernising motorbike retail and are eager to welcome our first cohort of apprentices on to the programme.”

Launched in 2010 in Macclesfield, SuperBike Factory now employs more than 250 people at showrooms in the town and in Donington, Nottinghamshire.