Bicycle Maintenance
Free, hands-on noncredit training in bicycle repair, e-bike tech, and shop operations with a pathway to bike-industry jobs.
1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Open-enrollment noncredit courses offered year-round across Fall, Spring, and some Summer/Winter terms; sections vary by semester
No experience required
Program Philosophy
Santa Monica College's noncredit (School of Continuing & Community Education) initiative offers tuition-free, short-term training to help adults build job-ready skills and bridge into credit college or the workforce. Classes are open to the community with no prerequisites, removing cost and access barriers so motivated learners can gain marketable, entry-level skills and a certificate of completion in a single semester.
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Hands-on learners wanting entry-level bike mechanic or shop jobs
Two sequential 6-week levels (BCYCLE 901 and 902); classes typically meet Mon/Wed 6:00-8:30 pm in Drescher Hall (DRSCHR 122). Days/times vary by term.
Hands-on bike repair skills, e-bike/LEV basics, and a certificate for bike-shop jobs
Cost & Outcomes
This training is completely free. Santa Monica College noncredit courses and certificates are tuition-free, with no repayment, no student debt, and no hidden program costs.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Tuition-free, open-enrollment noncredit certificate
Hands-on technical training across drivetrain, wheels, brakes, suspension, and assembly
Introduction to pedal-assist, electric, and light electric vehicle (LEV) technologies
Covers small-business operations and bike-industry career pathways (local to international)
Completed in about one semester across two short levels
Day in the Life
- Evening class from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., two nights a week, in the Drescher Hall classroom on the main campus
- Instructor demonstration of a repair skill, such as adjusting brakes, servicing wheels and hubs, or tuning a drivetrain
- Hands-on bench time practicing repairs and adjustments on bicycles
- Introduction to pedal-assist, electric, and light electric vehicle technology
- Discussion of bike shop operations, customer service, and bicycle industry career paths
Taught by Santa Monica College noncredit faculty who meet California Community Colleges minimum qualifications, which set degree and field-experience requirements for noncredit instructors.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Learning many mechanical systems and specialized tool techniques in two short six-week levels, often while attending evening classes after a full workday.
Working hands-on with real bicycles and leaving able to diagnose and fix common problems, at no cost, with a clear path toward bike shop jobs.
Employment Support
Noncredit counseling and workshops to help students plan next steps into jobs or further college coursework
Career Services Center support, including career counseling, job search help, and the HireSMC job board where local employers post openings
City of Santa Monica job resources offered with local workforce partners to connect job seekers with local employment
How It Works
Apply to SMC as a student (free) at smc.edu/apply to get an SMC ID and student email
Register for the noncredit course(s) through Corsair Connect, or email NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu or call 310-434-3399 for help enrolling
Attend classes and complete all required courses in the certificate's area of emphasis
Petition for the Certificate of Completion
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.All SMC noncredit courses and certificates are tuition-free.
No. SMC noncredit classes are open to the community with no prerequisites (intermediate or higher ESL is recommended for some courses).
Adults 18 and over. F1 student visa holders are not eligible for noncredit courses.
Apply at smc.edu/apply, then register through Corsair Connect or contact the Noncredit office at 310-434-3399 / NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu.