Motor Vehicle Entry Level Diploma

This course is for those who have not achieved their potential at school and who are looking for a new challenge in a practical working environment. It will suit you if you are interested in working with motor vehicles as well as having good practical skills and a preference for hands-on learning rather than through classroom-based activities.

Alongside learning the basics of repairing and servicing motor vehicles you will improve your English and Maths skills through work-related activities. You will have the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications in repair and service, as well as in literacy and numeracy.

You will learn basic repair and service skills across the range of motor vehicle systems. The course covers workshop, health and safety and basic motor vehicle systems (engine, transmission, braking, steering and electrics etc). You learn about the function of various components so you can identify worn parts, remove and replace these components and carry out basic servicing. Activities include changing oil, removing and replacing filters and brake pads and adjusting steering. You will need to be committed to maintaining good attendance as we want you to develop your personal, social and employability skills including timekeeping, working with others, keeping on task, effective communications and professional workplace behaviour. You will have small group support to improve your English and Maths whilst working on relevant motor vehicle related activities, and you will have the chance to gain an Adult Literacy and/or Numeracy qualification. Before you are interviewed you will need to complete the motor industry standard computer-based aptitude assessment which is used to determine which level of course you should start on. You will also have an Initial Assessment of your literacy and numeracy skills. At interview we expect you to show your motivation to succeed on the course.

You will attend College on two full days a week. The majority of your time is spent on practical workshop sessions and about two hours a week are spent on classroom-based theory work. In the workshop sessions you will be given practical tasks to complete individually or in small groups. Lecturers will demonstrate techniques and explain the theory behind the practical work and then will be on hand to guide and support your practice. Assessment is purely on completion of practical tasks and building a portfolio. Literacy and numeracy assessment is by exam.

Our well-equipped workshops and the range of vehicles you will work on make for a realistic working environment. The department maintains good links with local employers and all the lecturers have considerable industrial experience and are keen to share their knowledge and experience with students. Enrichment activities include trips to places of relevance such as the Motor Sports Show and the London Motor Museum. The course structure (two long days) prepares you for the demands of a full working day and allows you to have a part-time job or work experience alongside your college course.

No formal qualifications are required. You will need to complete a motor industry standard aptitude assessment before your interview and you will need to demonstrate your interest and commitment.

Successful completion leads to the Motor Vehicle Foundation course or an Apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle.