XO Bikes is Onwards & Upwards' first business venture. We break the cycle of reoffending by creating jobs in the cycling industry. We want to prove that employing ex-offenders makes business sense, so shifting attitudes towards employing people who have been to prison.​​ But we are not a business with a purpose, we are a purpose with businesses and our 'product' is someone who doesn't go back to prison.

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Our bicycle mechanics training programme sits at the heart of XO Bikes. We run them inside and outside prison, and provide pastoral support on all sides. We exist to help people into employment and rebuild their lives.

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What is the XO Bikes Training Programme?

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The XO Bikes training programme is a Velotech accredited, industry

recognised qualification in bike mechanics. In phase 1 of the course,

we work on core course content, transitioning through the Bronze, Silver,

Gold Velotech standards, with phase 2 focusing on consolidating,

skill building and practicing.

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What makes our programme different? We’re high-energy, down-to-earth

andstrive to create a working environment where everyone feels welcome,

heard and encouraged.

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Our trainees can get involved in a wide range of activities that make each

day different. Whether it’s creative projects, joining events, or simply

sharing a meal out together, our approach is about connection, growth, and having fun along the way. And, most importantly,

our trainees walk away with a professionaltechnical qualification to support them into future work. 

 

Support during the course

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• Weekly employment masterclasses: CV buildin; job applications; interview prep and professional behaviour support.

• Weekly 1-to-1 coaching to develop communication, resilience, goal setting and leadership

• Group mindset sessions focused on confidence, dealing with setbacks, motivation, and peer support

• Travel and lunch fully covered - to make sure we remove practical barriers for people turning up on time every day

• Aspirations focused – we help people gain positive outcomes at the end of the course, by helping them transition into training, volunteering or work.

 

Extras in the final phase: Skill building and real experience

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• E-bike training days

• MTB suspension setup workshops

• Work experience days in real bike shops - see what it’s like on the job

• A focus on confidence and speed to handle real-world repairs​​​​

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​Post-course progression and support

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• We help trainees into further work, volunteering, or employment if they’re ready.

• Trainees leave with:

  • An industry-recognised qualification

  • A mindset shift and a better understanding of themselves

  • Real practical experience

  • A network of people who’ve got their back even after the programme finishes

• Trainees gain access to wraparound support to help them in achieving their next step, and as they transition into the workplace.

 

Who is it for?

 

The training programme is open to anyone aged over 18, who has either a criminal record or is at risk of offending, whether they’ve been to prison or not. The person’s offence history must meet our eligibility criteria and is subject to risk assessment and licence conditions. If you are at all unsure about our eligibility criteria, please do get in touch.  

 

Where is it?

 

On the outside, our full course takes place in our workshop in Lewisham,

right on the High Street and next to our XO Bikes shop. We’re a friendly

bunch, it’s a welcoming and community vibe, with staff, volunteers,

ex-trainees and trainees all working together to support each other.

 

We also operate a shorter training programme inside both HMP Pentonville

andHMP High Down, aimed at men who are close to release. Trainees will

be lookedafter by our friendly trainers at both prisons.

 

How can I get involved?

 

If you want to find out more about the programme or are interested in referring someone to join, please contact our Programme Lead or fill out the referral form below.

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If you’d like to get involved in supporting our charity in other ways, be it bike donations, as a volunteer or to fund us, thank you!

Please get in touch.