Level 1 Motor Vehicle Maintenance

Get your motor mechanics career into gear with this exciting practical course! Specialising in light vehicles, this introductory one-year course is designed to motivate you and support you to gain the key knowledge and skills required by vehicle maintenance employers.

The fast-moving automotive industry is thriving and offers abundant career opportunities. Embarking on a career in this sector could see you working on the latest car designs or even in the world of racing cars. Whether you wish to become an auto electrician, breakdown engineer, vehicle body repairer, or even a motorsport engineer, this course will immerse you in the motor vehicle sector and help prepare you for employment. Many of our courses are run by The Institute of the Motor Industry, meaning you will gain all of the high-level knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen career.

During this wide-ranging course, you will spend your time at our industry-standard onsite motor vehicle garage, learning how to maintain and repair different engines, brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, as well as having the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience with an employer. You will cover a wide range of modules, including health & safety, correct use of tools and equipment, vehicle chassis, light vehicles, investigating engine technology and more.

*Irrespective of your GCSE results, all students will start at level 1 and learn basic skills before progressing through the course levels.

Upon successful completion of this course, you can progress on to one of our level 2 motor vehicle courses. This will enable you to further increase your theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of light vehicle maintenance and repair. Alternatively, you may wish to seek an apprenticeship and secure a role such as a trainee technician, to earn a wage whilst gaining a valuable qualification.

Our hardworking motor vehicle teaching staff have a wealth of industry experience and draw on this experience to enhance your learning. They endeavour to use their experiences to link your studies to the automotive industry. Our tutors have worked as MOT testers, have experience in international race teams, and have qualifications to work with electric vehicles. They bring this varied knowledge to their teaching and help you develop the most up-to-date skills possible.

We have strong links with local automotive businesses and support you with securing work experience that will boost your skills and impress future employers. Fantastic opportunities can be gained from work placements, with many previous students being offered apprenticeships and employment after impressing a company.

Guest talks and demonstrations are a valuable aspect of this course. Previous students having gained valuable skills from leading employers such as Prestige Motors, Jungheinrich, and Rix Motors, along with many local garages in Warrington, St Helens and Leigh. Meeting employers will give you a worthwhile insight into potential future careers and provide you with a greater understanding of the sector.

You will be allocated a progress coach who will provide you with support to help you succeed on your study programme and progress on to your chosen career or progression path. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed.

Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

Warrington & Vale Royal College is proud to offer a state-of-the-art, fully equipped motor vehicle workshop. As a student on this course, you will work in this fully operational car garage and serve real clients. You will also be able to take part in a valuable work placement opportunity, which will give you an insight into the working world and provide a valuable addition to your CV.

During the course you will also be able to take part in educational trips and visits to enhance your learning. You will have the opportunity to watch race cars at the NEC Auto Sports show, visit factories such as the Vauxhall factory in Ellesmere Port, and visit local garages to learn the intricacies of the skills required in this profession.

We work closely with local employers to ensure that our courses provide the skills and techniques that they are looking for. This means that when you embark upon your career you will have relevant, up-to-date knowledge and skills which will impress employers and help you rise through the ranks.

You will need a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 2 or above. If you have not already achieved a grade 4 in your GCSE English and maths, you will be required to work towards either a functional skills qualification or a GCSE in English and/or maths as part of your study programme.

Irrespective of your GCSE results, most students will start at level 1 and learn basic skills before progressing through the levels.

Students are required to purchase steel toe boots, cargo pants, sweatshirt, and a polo shirt with the college logo. Please ask one of the motor vehicle staff for further details at your interview.