For many, wanting to become a mechanic is a childhood dream. You may have nostalgic memories of watching a family member work on cars and have always dreamed of getting under the bonnet yourself. Some may have developed a love for cars in teenage years, when nearing the age to be able to drive. Others may just be mechanically inclined and always been hands-on and curious about how engines work.
If you see yourself in any or all of these examples, you're probably meant for a career in the automotive repair industry. Entering a career as a mechanic means a guaranteed future of steady work. Slumps in the economy can affect consumers buying new cars, but vehicles will always require maintenance and repair.
While a love for cars and hands-on work are great reasons to become a mechanic, there is also the fact that you will be entering an industry employing over 570,000 people and promising a salary upwards of £30,000 per year, once fully qualified.
What makes Motor Vehicle at HRC special?
- We have invested in our workshops and equipment to ensure our facilities are the best possible.
- Our programmes build the skills you need to have in the workplace with industry recognised qualifications.
- Industry trained and experienced lecturers will nurture your ambition and share their expertise with you
What do our students say?
"I really enjoy the course and can't wait to learn more."
"I really like my tutor, he is an awesome teacher and teaches us to a good standard."
What can I do next?
After you have successfully completed this course, you can choose to:
- Progress to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Diploma at Level 2.
- Enter into employment as a trainee in this industry
- Undertake an Apprenticeship within the Motor Vehicle Industry</LI<>
What will I be doing?
We will help you learn a wide range of skills that will support you to work in the Motor Vehicle industry, including:
- Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Locating, Interpreting and Using Technical Information
- Electric Vehicle Awareness
- Light Vehicle Braking System Components and Maintenance
- Light Vehicle Exhaust System Components and Maintenance</LI<>/UL>
This is a one-year programme of vehicle theory and practical work that aims to provide training in the skills needed to progress to the Motor Vehicle IMI Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance Level 2 and beyond.
Added Extras
There are lots of perks to this course:
- You will get the chance to experience the industry first hand through a work placement with a local employer
- You can work with fellow students on projects and activities relating to the industry.
- You can enjoy relevant trips, visits and meet guest speakers and employers
How will I be assessed?
Technical knowledge is assessed by on-line multiple-choice tests and an e-portfolio relating to practical projects.
Practical competence is assessed by the production of a portfolio of practical tasks carried out under direct observation in the workshop.
Entry requirements
A keen passion to progress and work in the Motor Vehicle industry
You will also complete maths and English qualifications if you haven't got them already as they are essential in this industry
What do I need to bring?
You must provide your own steel toecap boots. You will be given details on where to purchase our workshop uniform at information events and on enrolment. Should you require further details where these can be bought, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
You may be asked to buy a recommended text book during your course; details of this will be provided by your assigned tutor.
If you think you would benefit from financial support we have bursary options available for those who meet the criteria. Please note, this funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application.
If you would like financial support, contact our Information Team on 01992 411411 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Fee Information
Free to those under 19 on 31st August 2022.
If you will be over 19 on 31 August 2022 please contact our Information Centre on 01992 411411 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
