Motor Vehicle

Students

This course gives you the opportunity to learn about the basics of car maintenance and practise your skills in our purpose built motor vehicle workshops. You will study:

• Transmission units 
• Workshop methods 
• Mechanical components
• Health and safety regulations

Teachers focus well on developing students’ and apprentices’ employability and vocational skills, and ensuring that they are suitably prepared for progression to further study or the world of work. (Ofsted, 2016)

If you love cars and enjoy fixing things, this could be a great career for you. Motor vehicle technicians repair and service cars, vans, motorbikes, lorries and coaches. They work on all vehicle mechanics and electrics, from engines and exhaust systems to air-conditioning and security.

There are estimated to be almost 19,000 motor vehicle technicians employed in the South West alone which has increased by more than 30% in the last fifteen years.

To become a qualified motor vehicle technician:

• You will need to have strong practical and good problem-solving skills to find faults.
• You'll need to be able to work quickly and pay attention to detail and have good communication and customer service skills.
• You'll also benefit from the ability to follow written and spoken instructions.
• You should enjoy a reasonable level of fitness.
• Have an up-to-date knowledge of vehicle developments, especially new engine types and electronics.
• You'll also need an awareness of health and safety regulations.

Within the industry, average salaries can range between £18,000 and £35,000+ for an average 38-45 hour week. (National Careers Service data 2018).

For this course, steel toe capped shoes/boots and a set of overalls to protect your clothing and body will be required.

Gloucestershire College recognises the importance of all learners getting the Maths and English qualifications that they will need to be successful in their chosen career. For this reason all full-time learners who have not achieved Grade A*-C (grade 4) Maths or English Language GCSE will work towards these qualifications as part of their studies.