Level 1 Motor Mechanics


  • Start Date: 01/09/2025
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
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Motor vehicle technicians service and repair all types of vehicles including cars, vans, motorbikes and heavy vehicles like coaches and lorries. They work on all areas of vehicle mechanics and electrics, from the engine and exhaust systems to the air-conditioning and security features.

As a mechanical technician, your duties would 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.

This course will provide you with the essential knowledge you will need to help you follow a career in the automotive industry. It will help you develop the technical skills you will need to be a technician working on a wide range of vehicles in all types of garages, dealerships and specialist repair shops.

You will be working 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 the workshops.

During the first six weeks of the course, you’ll get to experience a range of aspects of the automotive industry including mechanical, servicing, body repair and paint refinishing. You’ll then be able to choose a specialism to continue with.

Modules will include:

  • Health and safety practices in vehicle maintenance
  • Tools, equipment and materials for vehicle maintenance
  • Spark ignition engine systems, components and opperation
  • Compression ignition engine systems, components and operation
  • Engine liquid cooling and lubrication systems components and operation
  • Steering and suspension systems components and maintenance
  • Vehicle braking systems components and maintenance
  • Routine vehicle maintenance processes and procedures on vehicles
  • Vehicle wheels and tyres construction and maintenance
  • Vehicle exhaust systems components and maintenance
  • Vehicle driveline maintenance
  • Spark ignition system maintenance
  • Vehicle electrical foundation skills
  • Vehicle lighting system maintenance.

The units covered directly link to the current apprenticeship standards so you’ll gain the knowledge and skills required to progress to an apprenticeship if you choose.

You will also study:

  • Maths and English sessions and have the opportunity to improve your GCSE grades
  • Health and safety in the workplace and other skills
  • Behaviourial skills associated with working in a garage  such as team work and communication
  • Electric and hybrid vehicle awareness to increase your employment opportunties.

 

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 online multiple choice tests which will be graded as pass, merit, or distinction.

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, body shop, two spray painting booths, welding facilities and a rolling road as well as social spaces and a café.

This level 1 qualification is designed to provide you with exposure to the world of automotive giving the knowledge and skills to progress onto an apprenticeship with an employer or further develop these skills on one of our level 2 courses.

We’re connected to some of the best known employers in ther region including:

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

This means you’ll be plugged into the world of work from day one and get the opportunity to learn first hand what employers are looking for in new recruits and apprentices.

You’ll also take part in work experience, working as part of a professional team.

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