At CABS we are passionate about empowering individuals to build rewarding careers in bicycle mechanics, and we're thrilled you're considering our Professional Bicycle Mechanics Program. As a school dedicated to fostering skilled, confident graduates, our philosophy centers on ethical enrollment practices. We believe in only accepting students who have a reasonable expectation of success, ensuring they can complete the program and qualify for gainful employment in the industry. This means we prioritize self-assessment to avoid enrolling anyone who might face challenges that could prevent them from earning their Certificate of Completion.
In this article, we'll guide you through the registration process, highlight the key steps, and explain how our philosophy shapes everything we do. Our goal is to make the process straightforward while helping you determine if this program is the right fit for you.
Why Our Philosophy Matters
At CABS, we don't just teach bicycle mechanics—we're committed to your long-term success. We consider it unethical to enroll students who may not be able to complete the program due to personal or skill-related barriers. That's why we rely on a thorough self-screening process. By being upfront about our expectations, we help you make an informed decision before you apply. Our aim is simple: to graduate capable mechanics who are ready for the workforce, without setting anyone up for disappointment.
This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of registration, from the basic contact information we require to the detailed self-assessment sections. Let's break down the steps to get you started.
Step-by-Step Guide to CABS Registration
Registering for the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Program is easy and can be done entirely online through our website. However, we emphasize the importance of accuracy and completeness in your application—every field is there for a reason, and incomplete submissions may delay or prevent processing.
- Fill Out the Online Registration Form Completely:
- Start by visiting the registration page on our website (linked in the footer of our homepage). You'll need to provide the following essential details:
- Full Name of Student: This ensures we can properly identify you and issue your certificate upon completion.
- Address (Mailing): We use this for all official communications.
- Phone Number: This allows us to reach you quickly if we have any questions about your application.
- Email: This will be our primary method of contact for updates, reminders, and program details, including your acceptance confirmation and invoice.
- Please double-check for accuracy—typos or missing information could lead to delays
- Complete the Statement of Suitability:
- This is a critical self-screening tool designed to help you reflect on your readiness for the program. As part of our philosophy, we want to ensure that all students are at least 18 years old and free from any issues that might hinder their ability to succeed.
- In this section, you'll declare:
- Your minimum age of 18, as this is a requirement for enrollment.
- Any potential barriers that could prevent you from completing the program, such as social issues, substance abuse, or legal matters.
- Be honest with yourself here. For example, if you're dealing with challenges that might affect your attendance or focus, it's better to address them now. Our team is here to support you, but we can't guarantee success if these factors aren't managed.
- Review and Agree to the Proficiency Expectations:
- Before you submit your form, you'll need to read through our Proficiency Expectations. This section is all about self-assessment, aligning with our commitment to only enroll students who are prepared to thrive.
- Here's a summary of what we expect—based on our guidelines, these skills are essential for success in the program:
- Basic Mathematics Skills: You should be comfortable using a calculator for simple equations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Basic familiarity with computer web files and programs (e.g., opening a file and entering data) is also required, as is understanding numbers, decimals, and simple conversions—these come into play for tasks like wheel truing and gear adjustments.
- Understanding and Comprehension in English: All our sessions, tests, and materials are in English only. You'll need to read and comprehend English at a level that allows you to follow instructions from our primary resource, the Barnett’s Manual (which is only available in English). If you're hearing impaired, you must be able to lip-read English, as our instructors are not trained in sign language. Additionally, we expect strong attention to detail and the ability to adhere to written instructions.
- Reading Technical Language: You should be able to handle English technical writing at a typical Canadian grade ten high school level, as this is the standard for our coursework.
- Basic User Computer Skills: You'll need to navigate web browsers, use email, fill out online forms, and manage documents (like opening, saving, and closing files) on common operating systems.
- Bicycle Riding Skills: As a foundational requirement, you must be able to ride a bicycle confidently, including shifting gears, applying brakes, inflating tires, and knowing what personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear for safe cycling.
- After reading these expectations, you'll be asked to confirm that you meet or exceed them. This is your opportunity to honestly evaluate your skills—if you don't feel confident in any area, we encourage you to build those skills first or explore other options.
- Submit Your Form:
- Once you've filled out all the required fields and completed the self-screening sections, simply submit the form. There's no initial payment needed at this stage, which keeps things simple and low-pressure.
- After submission, our team will review your application based on the information provided. We'll contact you via email or phone with an acceptance confirmation if you're approved. If accepted, we'll also send an invoice for the course fee, which must be paid in full one week before the class starts.
Final Thoughts: We're in This for the Long Ride
At CABS, our philosophy isn't just words—it's the foundation of how we operate. We don't want to accept any student who might struggle to complete the program or face insurmountable issues along the way. By incorporating thorough self-screening, we're helping you set yourself up for success from day one.
If you have any questions about the registration process or our program, feel free to reach out via our contact form or email us at CABSRegistrar-at-gmail.com. Remember, the best bicycle mechanics start with the right preparation—take the time to review everything carefully, and let's wrench forward together. If you meet our criteria and are excited about becoming a professional bicycle mechanic, we can't wait to welcome you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian Hahn is a fully certified professional bicycle mechanic, a former member of the PBMA, author of the Central Alberta Bicycle School CABS Student Handbook and an instructor of CABS. He has been published in several publications in Canada on varied topics. Over the past nine years he has taught students who achieved both the BAM Certification Program and the Bicycle Building and Wheel Truing Certificate Courses. He can be contacted directly through the CABS Contact Page.