XO Bikes Training Course

Onwards & Upwards is a charity dedicated to reducing reoffending in the UK by creating businesses that train and employ people returning from prison. Its first venture, XO Bikes, combines practical training with essential skills development to prepare participants for meaningful employment.

Through a transformative seven-week programme, trainees gain hands-on experience in bike mechanics while building the essential skills outlined in the Skills Builder Framework – including Aiming High, Staying Positive, Speaking, Listening, and Leadership. These skills are further developed through structured workshops, one-to-one coaching, and real workplace scenarios.

The organisation seeks to demonstrate to employers the value of this often-overlooked talent pool, showing how hiring skilled, motivated ex-offenders can strengthen teams, drive business success, and play a vital role in reducing reoffending.

The seven-week XO Bikes programme integrates essential skills development throughout, with a structured focus on Aiming High, Staying Positive, Speaking, Listening, and Leadership. Staff from Onwards & Upwards deliver weekly workshops and one-to-one coaching, using the Skills Builder language, skill steps, and reflection tools to guide each participant’s progress.

Trainees assess themselves against the Framework and set weekly goals, embedding these skills through real work experience in the bike workshop. Participants are able to track and evidence measurable progress in essential skills, enabling them to reflect, grow, and transition confidently into employment—equipped not only with technical training, but also with the mindset and behaviours needed to succeed.