Automotive Maintenance (Mechanics)

St Edmunds Society

Fullman House, 114-118 Oak Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 3BP

Other Regulated/Accredited Qualification

Level 1

Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies

Available start dates

Wednesday, 02 September 2026

This course consists of 594 Guided Learning Hours, spread out across the academic year. Students attend 3 days per week. Students can join this course up to April 2025 and will finish at the end of July. Students who join the course later in the year may need to attend 4 days per week, and will achieve either an Award or a Certificate. Start date and end date is approximate and may be subject to change.

St Edmunds Society

36 Week(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

There is no charge for this course. PPE and tools are provided by St. Edmonds Society.

Course Summary

The Automotive Maintenance and Vehicle Inspection Courses will teach you all aspects of motor vehicle repair and maintenance.

On Level 1 you will acquire skills in Health and Safety in the workplace and get to know the tools and equipment you will use. You will learn about vehicle engines and the associated systems of an engine, vehicle steering and suspension, vehicle exhaust systems, vehicle braking systems, wheels and tyres. The final stage of the course is vehicle electrics and wiring your own lighting circuits.

On Level 2 you will learn about Health and Safety in the workplace and tools, equipment and fabrication. You will gain an understanding of servicing vehicles and MOT testing, petrol engines and associated systems, wheels, tyres and vehicle braking systems.

This course will help you to progress as a vehicle technician or into a Level 3 Apprenticeship as a vehicle technician.

Both courses will include elements of working on cars and motorcycles. You will learn about future technologies such as low carbon and electric vehicles.

We receive supported and industry knowledge from car part manufacturers and suppliers, including Valeo, Febi-Bilstein, Yuasa, and Wilco Fast-Fit.

“We endeavour, through teamwork, to turn I can’t into I can, and I can into we did through team work.”

Course Details

The Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Maintenance will provide you with detailed knowledge in transport maintenance.

You will cover the following whilst on programme:

· Health and Safety Practices in Vehicle Maintenance

· Knowledge of Materials, Fabrication, Tools and Measuring Devices Used in Automotive Environment

· Motorcycle Construction and Routine Maintenance

· Automotive Foundation Skills

· Motorcycle Chassis Systems and Engines

You are taught through practical activities, group discussion and some classroom learning.

You will be placed within relevant work experience with local contractors whilst on the programme.

Additional information:

Students who have A-C/4-9 grade GCSE’s will NOT be required to complete Maths and English qualifications.

Students who do not have GCSE’s A-C, or 4 and above will be required to complete Maths and English qualifications.

Work Experience – a 2 week/8-day work placement will be arranged whilst on programme to build employability skills.

Enrichment – Careers Advice, sexual and mental health talks, Matthew Project drug and alcohol talks, Apprenticeship support, Employability days.

Bursary – financial support is available to support students with a household income of under £28,000, or those receiving qualifying benefits. This can include food allowance and travel support (bus/train).

Welfare Support Team – Wellbeing support, housing advice, financial advice, drug and alcohol support, behavioural and engagement support. (As appropriate)

Structure of day – An average day is 9.15am – 3.30pm. Flexibility of their programme can be discussed alongside individual needs.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

This course is suitable for 16 - 18 year olds (or up to 25 with an EHCP).

Aged 16+ will be supported to achieve maths and English qualifications whilst on the programme (if you have not achieved A-C or 9-4 grade GCSE).

Aged 16+ will be placed within relevant work experience with local employers whilst on the programme.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for GCSE's as students will be supported to achieve Maths and English qualifications whilst on the programme (if you have not achieved A-C or 9-4 grade GCSE).

An initial assessment will be carried out at the interview stage as student will require a certain level of literacy and numeracy skills.

Having some previous knowledge of transport maintenance or mechanics, including work experience, can be useful.

Equipment required

None.

Your next steps...

You can progress on to further Level 1 qualifications, a Level 2 qualification, traineeship, or an apprenticeship within the industry.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.