Originally Posted by fritz1255
I am 50, looking for a second career when I retire (which might be real soon if I continue to post on forums while at work, like I am now). While I do quite a bit of my own bike work and some for other people, I only have experience in things that I have done. My understanding is that there is no "certification" for bike mechanics, so most of them must be learning as they go along, or possibly got some training somewhere. How do most people get into this line of work? Are there schools, or do you simply learn as you go?
I was 50 two years ago when I attended the Barnett School. I was the oldest one there, but only by about two years, so don't let your age hold you back.
The whole experience was incredible. Most of my classmates were bike mechanics and service managers already employed in the industry, but I, like you was looking for a career change, and being already somewhat conversant with bike maintenance, figured this was a good way to kick it up a notch.