WESTMINSTER WHEELS TRAINEE SINCE 2022
Saffron Andrew was 22 when she joined Westminster Wheels back in 2022. She had been working, largely unhappy, in hospitality. Supported by her mum who wanted her daughter to find a better place to work, Saffron, who didn’t know much about bikes at all, seized the opportunity and signed-up to the work placement.
“I had just finished my degree and I was working in restaurants. I’d had enough of working in a restaurant, so I was like: ‘I’ll give it a try, I’ll see what it’s like’. And I did! And I liked it!”
Saffron’s past job experiences had been in a toxic environment, so she was surprised by the supportive and pleasant atmosphere during her six-month paid training at Westminster Wheels.
“Working at Westminster Wheels showed me that a work environment shouldn’t be toxic but actively pleasant to be in. I think the manager sets the tone for how a workplace is and Barny had good energy!”
“On my first day, I had to change some brake pads: and that’s something I’ve never done before. Of course, I was nervous, but it did feel a bit like a jigsaw puzzle when I was doing it!”
Saffron didn’t used to own a bike. But working at Westminster Wheels has sparked a new interest.
“I now I have two refurbished bikes! I have single speed and my plan is to build a back wheel for it.”
“I worked at Westminster Wheels for a few months before I studied with Cycle Confident and I definitely think that experience of working before studying really helped me. I have now got my official City and Guilds certificate!”
“At the end of my seven-month work placement at Westminster Wheels, on just my second job interview I got some good news: I got a job offer as a professional cycle mechanic at About the Bike!”