New Mountain Biking Qualification Opens Pathways into Scotland's Growing Cycling Sector

New Mountain Biking Qualification Opens Pathways into Scotland's Growing Cycling Sector

A new Customised Award in Mountain Biking at SCQF Level 5 has officially launched, creating an exciting new vocational pathway for young people and adult learners interested in developing practical skills and careers within Scotland’s growing mountain bike sector.

The award was developed through a partnership between Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), Qualifications Scotland, and key education partners including Peebles High School, the qualification combines practical riding, leadership, maintenance, fitness, and trail management skills. Leaning will take place both practically and in classroom-based learning to provide students with a broad introduction to the mountain bike industry.

The award has been designed for delivery within schools, colleges, and training providers and offers a flexible structure that can be adapted to suit available facilities, teaching expertise, and learner needs.

Learners completing the qualification will gain experience in areas including mountain bike riding fundamentals, athletic performance, bike maintenance, trail inspection and maintenance, and riding skills progression. The qualification has been developed to provide both progression opportunities into further education and direct pathways into employment across Scotland’s outdoor recreation and cycling industries.

The award has also been designed to support development of core employability skills including communication, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, organisation, and safe outdoor practice.

Caroline Wallace, PE Teacher at Peebles High School, said:

“Peebles High School was proud to play a role in developing this qualification and ensuring it reflects both the needs of learners and the realities of the mountain bike industry.”

“This award provides an engaging and practical way for young people to build confidence, develop transferable skills, and explore future career opportunities connected to Scotland’s outdoor economy. We believe it will be hugely valuable for learners who thrive through hands-on and vocational learning experiences.”

Julie Lynn, Qualifications Scotland, said:

“The launch of the Customised Award in Mountain Biking demonstrates the value of creating flexible qualifications that connect education with industry and emerging career opportunities.”

“This qualification supports learners to develop practical, real-world skills while also encouraging progression into further learning, training, and employment. It represents an innovative addition to the range of vocational opportunities available at SCQF Level 5.”

Head of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), Graeme McLean, said:

“Scotland’s mountain bike sector continues to grow and diversify, creating exciting opportunities across coaching, trail development, events, tourism, retail, and outdoor leadership.”

“This qualification has been designed to give learners meaningful, industry-relevant experiences and a strong foundation of practical skills that can support future study, volunteering, or employment within the sector.”

“We’re particularly pleased that the award has been developed collaboratively with schools and industry partners to ensure it is accessible, flexible, and relevant for a wide range of learners across Scotland.”

Teaching staff delivering the qualification can also be supported by DMBinS and accredited industry training, including DIRTT (Developing Inter-European Resources for Trail building Training) trail maintenance training where appropriate.

Potential career pathways supported by the qualification include:

• Bike mechanics and retail
• Trail building and maintenance
• Coaching and leadership
• Outdoor event management
• Tourism and guiding
• Marketing and media
• Performance coaching and athlete support

Centres interested in delivering the qualification are encouraged to contact DMBinS for guidance on approval requirements, staff training, and delivery support.

For further information about the Customised Award in Mountain Biking can be found here or please contact: info@dmbins.com

This award had been developed in partnership with Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, Qualifications Scotland (prev SQA) and Peebles High School, with additional support through Pedal MTB Ltd.

The award development and pilot has been enabled through the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.