Garage Managers and Proprietors
Up to £63,371 /year
Garage managers and proprietors plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the day-to-day running of garages and specialist vehicle maintenance and repair establishments.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- Open to those still working below Grade 4 in Maths and English
- A genuine interest in cars and how they work
- Successful interview with our team
You'll keep building your Maths and English alongside your course, built into your timetable. This is the ideal starting point if you don't yet have Grade 4s.
What You'll Learn
Real Cars. Real Tools. From Day One.
This course gets you working on real vehicles straight away. Across 10 units you’ll learn how to work safely and in an organised way, then get stuck into the practical skills: servicing a modern vehicle, changing lubricants, safely removing and replacing brake pads, and checking that the lights are working.
You’ll train in our fully equipped garage with professional tools, learning from tutors with real trade experience, and find out about the careers the motor industry offers. By the end you’ll have a real feel for the trade and be ready to step up to Level 2.
What You'll Do
- Working safely and in an organised way
- Careers in the motor industry
- Interim servicing of a modern vehicle
- Changing lubricants
- Removing and replacing brake pads safely
- Checking the serviceability of lights and other vehicle systems
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Exams
Formal examinations to test your knowledge and understanding under timed conditions.
Practical assignments, plus online and paper-based exams.
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics and Electricians
Up to £52,571 /year
Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians accept calls for help and repair and service the mechanical parts and electrical/electronic circuitry and components of cars, lorries, buses, motorcycles and other motor vehicles, […]
Vehicle Body Builders and Repairers
Up to £47,256 /year
Vehicle body builders and repairers construct and repair the bodies of road vehicles, and fit interior and exterior fittings to vehicle bodies.
Tyre, Exhaust and Windscreen Fitters
Up to £39,096 /year
Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters fit, repair and adjust tyres, exhausts and windscreens on cars, buses, motorcycles and other motor vehicles.
Vehicle Paint Technicians
Up to £52,979 /year
Vehicle paint technicians apply paint, cellulose, vinyl stickers and wraps and other protective or decorative materials to the bodywork of motor vehicles.
Aircraft Maintenance and Related Trades
Up to £66,253 /year
Aircraft maintenance and related trades fit, service, repair and overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies. Licensed aircraft engineers are coded to Unit Group 3113.
Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
A Real Working Garage
You'll train in our fully equipped garage, working on real cars with professional tools and diagnostic equipment, in a space that mirrors a real workshop.
A Real Working Garage
Fully equipped, mirroring a real workshop, with professional tools and diagnostic kit.
Silverstone and Beyond
Trips like Silverstone, plus masterclasses and guest talks from the trade.
A Route to a Trade
Progress to Level 2, then to Level 3 or an apprenticeship, towards a technician's job.
Student Voice
“
I’ve learnt how to fix minor issues on vehicles and really enjoyed the hands-on learning. I’m applying for Level 3 next. As a mature student, balancing home and college has been tough, but the tutors have been really helpful and supportive.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoA Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeTutors With Real Experience
Our tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the world of work, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
Qualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listMental Health & Wellbeing
College is a big change. Our wellbeing team is here for every student — whether they need someone to talk to, help managing stress, or ongoing support. No referral needed.
Wellbeing supportLearning Support
If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportSafeguarding & Welfare
Your child's safety is our priority. All staff are DBS-checked, our safeguarding team is available every day, and students always know who to go to if something isn't right.
Our safeguarding commitment For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Assessment
Practical Assessment + Exams
Ready to Get Under the Bonnet?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk