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Automotive
Are you a problem solver and interested in technology? Do you have attention to fine detail and a passion for motor vehicles? Studying industry-led automotive courses at our purpose built Technology Centre (see pages 31-32 for a map) you will gain all the practical and technical skills for a career in the automotive industry. The staff come with a wealth of experience from all aspects of industry, from manufacturer to independent workshops.
I’ve always grown up around mechanics and cars - these are my passion. The lecturers are really nice and the environment at College is really good too - I’ve made a lot of friends even though I didn’t know anyone when I came here.
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Sinead, studying Vehicle Maintenance and Repair - Light Vehicle Mechanical and Body Repair Level 1 Diploma. Previously home educated.
IMIAL Level 1 Diploma | Duration: 1 year
This course gives you the basic skills and knowledge to work on vehicles.
On this course you will:
Learn theory and practical skills including identification of vehicle components Use the latest equipment and vehicles in a realistic, industry standard environment Visit garages and shows Take optional, additional courses in body repair and refinishing, hybrid and electric vehicle technology and welding Develop soft skills, such as communication and employer expectations, to prepare you for the industry Have opportunities for work experience alongside your studies Gain the practical skills needed to complete your Functional Skills and GCSE English and Maths You must achieve all the learning outcomes for each study unit. You will be assessed by IMI practical assessments, centre devised assessment methods and IMI external testing. Choose this course if… you have an interest in repairing vehicle components and learning how vehicles work. Future Steps: You could go on to further study, such as the Vehicle Maintenance and Repair - Light Vehicle IMIAL Level 2 Diploma or an Apprenticeship. Entry requirements: You will need grade 2 (or above) in GCSE English Language and Maths. If you don’t have a grade 4 in English and Maths, you will be required to study for this alongside your course. Plus, you will need two GCSEs at grade 2 or above, or equivalent. We may consider other experience if you do not have these grades.
This course is designed for those who would like to find a job in the light vehicle automotive industry.
On this course you will:
Study health and safety, tools and materials, automotive job roles, engines and related systems, vehicle transmission, vehicle electrics and chassis and associated systems Use the latest equipment and vehicles in a realistic, industry standard environment Take optional, additional courses in body repair and refinishing, hybrid and electric vehicle technology Develop soft skills, such as communication and employer expectations, to prepare you for the industry Have opportunities for work experience alongside your studies Gain the practical skills needed to complete your GCSE English and Maths
You must achieve all learning outcomes for all units. You will be assessed by IMI practical assessments, centre devised assessment methods and IMI external testing. Choose this course if… you are looking to progress into an Apprenticeship and have a passion for repairing, servicing and diagnosing vehicle faults. Future Steps: After studying the Subsidiary Diploma in the first year, you could progress either to the T Level in Vehicle Maintenance (Level 3) for a further two years or to a Light Vehicle or Body Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship. Entry requirements: You will need grade 3 (or above) in GCSE English Language and Maths. Plus, you will need three GCSEs at grade 3 or above in relevant subjects, or equivalent. We will also consider your existing academic or vocational qualifications and experience and interest in working in the industry.
LEVEL 2
IMIAL Level 3 Diploma | Duration: 1 year
This course is designed for those who would like to find a job in the light vehicle automotive industry and have completed a Level 2 full time Light Vehicle programme of study.
On this course you will:
Develop your knowledge and skills from Level 2 to be able to effectively diagnose vehicle system failures Use the latest equipment and vehicles in a realistic, industry standard environment Work on electrical and electronic systems that integrate with engine, chassis and transmission components Develop soft skills, such as communication and employer expectations, to prepare you for the industry Have opportunities for work experience alongside your studies Gain the practical skills needed to complete your GCSE English and
Maths
You must achieve all learning outcomes for all units. You will be assessed by IMI practical assessments, centre devised assessment methods and IMI external testing. Choose this course if… you are looking to progress into an Apprenticeship and have a passion for repairing, servicing and diagnosing vehicle faults. Future Steps: After studying the Diploma, you could progress either to a Light Vehicle or Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship. Entry requirements: Prior achievement of the IMI Level 2 Subsidiary or Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance.
LEVEL 3
AUTOMOTIVE: MAINTENANCE, INSTALLATION AND REPAIR – LIGHT AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
T Level | Duration: 2 years
This course is aimed at those academic learners who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of engineering. The T Level has an emphasis on ‘real’ industry experience and is equivalent to three A Levels.
On this course you will:
Study a core content that will develop your knowledge of concepts, theories and core skills relevant to automotive light and electric vehicles Learn about objectives and constraints, health and safety, apply maintenance and repair processes, carry out suitable testing and record and reporting practice Study specialist occupationally specific content, for example, mechanical principles and systems, primary and auxiliary systems,
energy storage and transfer, drive devices and their purpose and electronic and mechanical measurement techniques and diagnostics Undertake an industry placement with an employer to develop skills and behaviours. Your placement will last for a minimum of 315 hours Develop your English, Maths and digital skills as appropriate for the occupation You will be assessed through external assessments, practical assignments and an employer set project. Choose this course if… you have a good understanding of Maths and Science and a keen interest in the automotive sector, especially around the diagnostics of mechanical and electrical systems. It is also a good opportunity to undertake industry placements with our industry partners. Future Steps: You can progress directly into skilled employment, university, an Apprenticeship or a higher national qualification HNC/HND at Exeter College. Potential careers include automotive diagnostic technician or master technician which map directly into the new Apprenticeship Standards. Entry requirements: You will need six GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths). Learners progressing from a Level 2 course will need a BTEC Level 2 Certificate or equivalent with a good Merit profile, along with English and Maths GCSE at grade 4 or above.
APPRENTICESHIP AUTOCARE TECHNICIAN
Carry out a range of services and repairs to cars, car derived vans, light goods vehicles, and heavy goods vehicles, using a range of tools, measuring and diagnostic equipment to identify and repair simple system faults.
You will:
Carry out a range of services and repairs to cars, car derived vans, light goods vehicles, and heavy goods vehicles Learn to use a range of tools, measuring and diagnostic equipment to identify and repair simple system faults Learn to carry out vehicle safety checks Learn how to perform routine vehicle servicing Work on a modern fleet of vehicles using the latest equipment Choose this Apprenticeship if… you have an interest in motor vehicles, a desire to learn and understand electrical systems, enjoy problem solving skills and have a commercial awareness.
Future Steps: On completion of the Level 2 Apprenticeship you could progress to the Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Apprenticeship or a T Level. When you are fully qualified, you could become a Service Manager or Master Technician.
Entry requirements: Every employer is different and therefore the entry requirements can vary. As a guide, you ideally need GCSE grade 4 in English Language and Maths. However, we will work with you and provide additional support to help you achieve their requirements, either prior to your Apprenticeship via a preApprenticeship or during the delivery of your programme.
APPRENTICESHIP LEVEL 2
I have always loved working on cars and this course gives me everything I need for my future career. The teaching is brilliant too.
Rhys, studying Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 3. Previously studied at Queen Elizabeth Community College, Crediton.
Combine technical, retail and customer service skills, in a unique, skill-packed Apprenticeship. Work on all the systems found within the vehicle, from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment.
You will:
Carry out a range of services on cars, car derived vans and other light vehicles Learn to deal with customer complaints in the best way and increase company communication Learn to carry out vehicle safety checks and routine maintenance on light vehicles Study new topics, such as four wheel geometry principles and general sales principles Learn the fundamentals of specific vehicle systems, including steering and suspension, braking systems, battery and charging systems, exhaust systems and air-conditioning systems Work on a modern fleet of vehicles using the latest equipment Follow recognised diagnostic procedures, logical diagnostic sequence and apply advanced diagnostic principles and problem solving techniques to establish faults Choose this Apprenticeship if… you’re able to work independently but also operate as an effective team member and have good customer handling skills. You must have an interest and desire to learn and understand electrical systems and have commercial awareness. Future Steps: On completion of the Level 3 Apprenticeship, you could move into industry to become a service manager or master technician. The course is also recognised by relevant Professional Engineering Institutions and successful Apprentices can apply for the appropriate level of professional registration (EngTech). Entry requirements: Every employer is different and therefore the entry requirements can vary. As a guide, you ideally need GCSE grade 4 in English and Maths. However, we will work with you and provide additional support to help you achieve their requirements, either prior to your Apprenticeship via a pre-Apprenticeship or during the delivery of your programme.
APPRENTICESHIP LEVEL 3
HEAVY VEHICLE SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
APPRENTICESHIP LEVEL 3
A Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprentice inspects and repairs a range of heavy vehicles and trailers for dealerships, independent garages and franchise and large fleet operators. The nature of the work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment. On completion of this Apprenticeship you will have developed the skills needed to become a lead heavy vehicle and maintenance repair technician.
You will:
Learn about diagnosing and problemsolving techniques, as well as the fundamentals of HV technologies,
HV chassis design, engine, fuels and transmissions Understand the requirements of providing roadside assistance Be able to do final quality checks before handover to the customer without supervision Learn about emerging new technologies within the HV industry Choose this Apprenticeship if… you have an interest in diesel systems and a desire to develop a career in the heavy vehicle automotive industry, working on trucks and lorries. You should have strong problem-solving and good customer handling skills. Future Steps: On completion and achievement of the standard, candidates will have the opportunity to progress to Master Technician, management or to develop in their current role. Entry requirements: Every employer is different and therefore the entry requirements can vary. As a guide, you ideally need GCSE grade 4 in English and Maths. However, we will work with you and provide additional support to help you achieve their requirements, either prior to your Apprenticeship via a pre-Apprenticeship or during the delivery of your programme.
