Real-World Skills, Real Impact
In July 2025, three Year 10 students swapped the classroom for the workshop floor at R-evolution’s Cottingham base, taking part in a structured week of work experience.
Over five days, the students — Eyyad, Hamza, and Ollie — worked alongside our mechanics, helped prepare for community cycling events, and learned the fundamentals of bike maintenance. From their first puncture repair to supporting our team with safety checks and toolkits, each student played an active role in the daily running of our charity.
For many, this was their first taste of a working environment. The experience offered more than technical knowledge — it built confidence, encouraged responsibility, and gave each student a clear sense of purpose.
A group ride on the final day, led by R-evolution staff, brought the week to a close — along with an ice cream stop to celebrate their hard work.
In Their Own Words
Eyyad
“This week was more than just fixing bikes, it was about finding confidence and learning how even the smallest tasks can make a big difference. One moment I will never forget was fixing a set of brakes. I was nervous at first, but one I got stuck in and did it right, someone complimented how fast I had done it. That simple comment made me feel proud and capable.
Then I saw (volunteer) Malcolm spend a whole day sorting spokes. It looked boring – until someone needed a specific spoke, and he found it in seconds, that moment changed how I see things: even quiet work matters.” #mechanicalengineerinthemaking”
Hamza
“During my work experience at R-evolution, I had an amazing opportunity to learn real-life skills and get involved in exciting activities. As a 15-year-old, this was my first time working in a proper workshop, and I really enjoyed it.
Throughout the week, I worked with bikes learning how to six a puncture, clean and repair parts and do safety checks. I also helped tidy the tool bench and even got involved in planning and setting up events.”
Ollie
“We kicked off the week with a site tour and an introduction to the facilities led by Francesca, it was great to get a feel of the environment, we then had a Health and Safety workshop induction with Gareth, this helped to keep ourselves and others safe in the workshop with tools and bikes. During Work Experience, I learnt practical skills like bike maintenance, puncture repairs, gear and brake adjustments and safety checks such as the M Check and PDI’ing. I also got involved with organising tools and event tool kits.”
A Pathway into the Future
R-evolution is committed to offering young people the chance to learn in practical settings. Whether they’re interested in mechanics, engineering, or simply gaining work experience, placements like this show the value of early exposure to real responsibility.
We’re proud of everything this group achieved — and we look forward to welcoming more young people into the workshop in the future.
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