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Key details

Course area
Motor Vehicle
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 1
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
Highfields Jesse Boot Avenue, Nottingham, NG7 2RU
Course code
Parent course code:C033800 Child course code: Q033801
Apply now

Course introduction

This course is perfect if you’re interested in cars and are wanting to take your first step into the motor industry.

You’ll learn the theory behind vehicle maintenance, the essential knowledge and skills needed to become a motor vehicle technician, and how to deal with car maintenance and repair.

You can expect to put everything you learn into practice at a fully equipped garage and servicing centre at our Highfields campus. You’ll also get to work alongside experienced technicians, so you can learn from people who are already in the trade.

Units of study include options from:

  • Engine systems, components and operations
  • Engine liquid cooling and lubrication systems
  • Steering and suspension systems
  • Vehicle braking systems
  • Routine vehicle maintenance
  • Wheels and tyres
  • Exhaust systems
  • Spark ignition systems
  • Electrical foundation skills

Mandatory units studied are:

  • Health and safety
  • Tools, equipment and materials

Course information

1 year

Level 1 College Certificate

You’ll need 4 GCSE’s with minimum grade 3 in both Maths and English Language.

Course assessment is made up of three elements:

  • Portfolio of Evidence in Skills
  • Knowledge of Practical Tasks
  • Online Testing

To progress onto the Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles or the Level 2 Automotive Care the year after, you will need to have improved your English & Maths grades to a 4 in both, achieved a merit overall and passed the progression assessment. 

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics and Electricians

Potential Earnings

£48,270.57

Average Earnings

£32,184.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Transportation Maintenance

People in these occupations maintain and service transport vehicles and specialised vehicle systems.

Skills

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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