Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (including EV and Hybrid) Level 3


This course will help you to develop the skills you need to work in today’s motor vehicle repair industry as a mechanical technician.

As a mechanical technician, your duties could include:

  • Identifying faults
  • Advising customers if repairs are needed and how critical they are
  • Providing time and cost estimates for jobs
  • Carrying out repairs and replacing damaged parts
  • Road testing the vehicle to check the repair work
  • MOT and pre-delivery inspection of vehicles
  • Carrying out routine servicing and checks.

In additon to the core content of this course, you ‘ll also learn about electric and hybrid vehicles and air conditioning, giving you extra skills to add to your CV, making you more desirable to prospective employers.

The course content also forms part of the Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship, meaning if you were to progress to an apprenticeship you’ll already have studied a year’s worth of content, making you ahead of the game compared to other candidates. 

You will be training in our fantastic training workshops fully equipped with industry standard resources. This is a hands-on course with a focus on practical activities and we maximise the amount of time you will spend in our state-of-the-art workshops.

Core modules will include:

  • Knowledge of Health, Safety and Good Housekeeping
  • Knowledge of Support for Job Roles
  • Knowledge of Materials, Fabrication, Tools and Measuring Devices

Specialist modules will include:

  • Diagnosis and rectification of auxiliary electrical faults
  • Diagnosis and rectification of vehicle engine faults
  • Diagnosis and rectification of light vehicle chassis systems
  • Diagnosis and rectification of light vehicle transmission and driveline

The units covered directly link to the current apprenticeship standards to providing students with the knowledge and skills required to progress and be a successful contributor to an employer’s business.

You will also attend English and maths sessions and have the opportunity to improve your GCSE grades and gain a broad knowledge and understanding of health and safety in the workplace and other skills associated with working in a garage giving you every opportunity to progress you career within automotive.

Assessment

You will be assessed via observation of practical activity, supported by verbal questioning and the completion of a practical assessment workbook which will contain a variety of practical tasks and knowledge based questions to cover all learning modules.

You will also undertake written assignments and online multiple choice tests which will be graded as pass, merit or distinction.

There will be an additional cost of £26.50 for safety boots and coveralls.

You will study in our state-of-the-art Skills Academy for Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing and Logistics on Team Valley in Gateshead.

This academy is fully equipped with dedicated vehicle maintenance workshops, EV and hybrid car training rigs and diagnostic equipment, VR spray equipment, diagnostic equipment for petrol, diesel, bus and coaches, body shop, two spray painting booths, welding facilities and a rolling road as well as social spaces and a café.

Throughout this course we’ll make sure you develop the skills and knowledge employers in the automotive industry are looking for. If you aim to progress to an apprenticeship, we’ll help you to look for a vacancy and support you through the interview process.

 

You must have an appropriate Level 2 automotive qualification or have the required knowledge relevant experience on the automotive sector. A passion for motor vehicle would be advantageous and a good level of English and maths would be beneficial.

Your teachers are industry experts with many years of experience working in the automotive sector.

They design your lessons to give you the best practical experience in your chosen area and will include additionalities such as electric and hybrid vehicle awareness to increase your skills and employment opportunities.

As part of your course you will be given the opportunity to take up a work placement with one of our employer partners to get a taste of the world of work and to further enhance your skills and knowledge.

Partners include some of the best known businesses in our region such as:

  • Halfords
  • Arriva
  • Go North East
  • Bristol Street Motors
  • Bells Trucks
  • Nationwide Accident Repair
  • CF Recovery as well a number of small independent repairers and specialist dealers like Aston Workshop.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026