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Motor Vehicle

Level 1 Vehicle Systems Maintenance CG Diploma

Get your hands on real cars from day one. If you love engines and want a trade, this is where it starts. In our fully equipped garage you'll learn to service a vehicle, change lubricants, replace brake pads and check the lights, using professional tools. A genuine first step towards a technician's job, with a clear route to Level 2.

Got a question? Ask us

How 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
Entry and progression

What you need and where it leads

  1. Entry requirements
  2. This course Level 1
  3. Further study
  • 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.

Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Careers it can lead to

  • Vehicle and Parts Salespersons and Advisers £29,100 a year
  • Driving Instructors £33,100 a year
  • Delivery Drivers and Couriers £24,300 a year
  • Assemblers (Vehicles and Metal Goods) £30,800 a year
See all 11 careers
  • Vehicle Valeters and Cleaners £24,800 a year

With further study or experience

  • Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics and Electricians £33,800 a year
  • Inspectors of Standards and Regulations £38,700 a year
  • Garage Managers and Proprietors £41,900 a year
  • Rail and Rolling Stock Builders and Repairers £60,500 a year
  • Vehicle Paint Technicians £42,300 a year
  • Ship and Hovercraft Officers £84,400 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

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.

Jade

Jade

Level 2 Motor Vehicle

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 and carers

Supporting your child’s journey

A 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 life

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 list

GCSE 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 support

Learning 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 support

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to Get Under the Bonnet?

Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

Want to visit first?

FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm

What happens after you apply

1

You apply

Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.

2

You meet your tutor

We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.

3

You get an offer

We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.

4

You get ready to start

Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.

Read our full guide to applying