Automotive Maintenance & Repair Level 3

Start Date: 01/09/2026
Course is for: School Leaver
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This course is designed for learners who want to develop advanced technical skills in diagnosing, servicing, and repairing modern vehicles. Building on earlier knowledge, this programme focuses on deeper understanding and hands-on competence across a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems.

Students learn how to carry out complex diagnostic procedures, identify faults, interpret technical data, and perform high-level repairs using industry-standard tools and equipment. The course reflects current motor industry practices, giving learners the confidence to work independently and professionally in a fast-evolving automotive environment.

By completing this qualification, learners are well-prepared to progress into professional roles such as vehicle technician, diagnostic technician, or MOT preparation specialist, or to continue into higher-level automotive training.

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

Required Entry Qualifications

GCSE grade 4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths.

If you are 19+ and don’t have English & maths, you are still encouraged to apply.

Level 2 Automotive Service & Repair is required.

An interview with a member of the teaching team is required, you will also be asked to complete an initial assessment in maths and English, and various industry specific tests. This will allow us to assess your suitability to the course advice and guidance will be available throughout the application process.

Assessment

You are assessed through a combination of practical and theory-based tasks that reflect real workshop expectations and industry standards.

Assessment is carried out throughout the course to ensure you can confidently apply your knowledge and skills.

Assessment methods typically include:

Practical workshop assessments – You’ll carry out advanced diagnostic, servicing, and repair tasks on a range of vehicle systems, demonstrating accuracy, safe working practices, and fault-finding competence.
Online or written knowledge tests – These assess understanding of complex vehicle systems, diagnostics, electrical technology, legislation, and modern repair procedures.
Portfolio of evidence – You’ll build a comprehensive portfolio containing practical evidence, job sheets, assessor observations, and technical reports to show you have met all required competencies.

Together, these assessment methods ensure you are fully prepared for the demands of working as a skilled automotive technician or progressing to higher-level training.

The Teaching Team

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.

Work Experience & Employer Partners

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.

Over 90% of our learners progress onto the next level or secure apprenticeships with local employers.

Facilities, Kit And Equipment

You’ll 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, body workshop and paint workshop.

You will be required to buy blue overalls and steel toe cap boots, these can be purchased at a discounted rate through the college.

Next Steps

During this course we ensure you develop employability skills and gain relevant experience, this level 3 qualification is designed to prepare students for future employment in the automotive sector giving you the knowledge and skills to progress onto an apprenticeship standard with an employer.

How We Support You

Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.

We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.

Our specialist teams can help with:

Learning difficulties
Physical and sensory disabilities
Dyslexia, dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning difficulties
Mental health and well being
Exam access arrangements
Money, finance and bursary advice
Careers advice, job and university applications

See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE & REPAIR LEVEL 3?

Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics and Electricians

Knowledge

Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Median Salary
£34,414

Average Qualifications
Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

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Skills

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

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