16-18 Courses, 16-18: Vocational

Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Level 1)

Course Overview

Entry requirements

Three or more GCSEs at Grade 2 including:

  • GCSE English Language and maths at Grade 2 (or equivalent)
  • Successful completion of Entry 3, and appropriate recommendation report

Course information

This course is designed for students who love cars and are interested in a job within the motor vehicle maintenance and repair industry. It gives students the chance to achieve the industry-standard Institute of the Motor Industry Diploma at Level 1. Successful students can progress to study and achieve the Level 2 Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Diploma after a further year of study.

This qualification is specifically designed to engage and motivate you if you are interested in learning about the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and the various jobs that are available within the motor vehicle industry.

If you have not achieved at least a grade 4 in GCSE English Language and/or Maths, you will also study for English and Maths qualifications alongside this course.

Key topics

  • Health and safety practices in vehicle maintenance
  • Tools, equipment and materials for vehicle maintenance
  • Automotive foundation skills
  • Spark ignition engine systems, components and operation
  • 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
  • Vehicle wheels and tyres, construction and maintenance
  • Vehicle exhaust systems, components and maintenance
  • Vehicle driveline maintenance
  • Spark ignition system maintenance
  • Introduction to spark ignition fuel systems
  • How you are assessed

    You will be assessed on a variety of practical tasks and by direct observation, questioning and one online exam. The mandatory units for the Diploma are: Health and Safety Practices in Vehicle Maintenance and Tools, Equipment and Materials for Vehicle Mai
  • Why study at NCC?

    • We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
    • Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
    • Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
    • Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
    • One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
    • Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
    • Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
    • Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
    • A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed

    With regeneration projects and trade opportunities booming, New City College is the perfect place to gain the practical skills for a successful career in Construction and Skilled Trades, one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.

    Through employer partnerships, work placements and apprenticeship pathways, you’ll get real on-the-job experience in trades like engineering, carpentry, motor vehicle, bricklaying, plumbing and electrical installation.

    We’re proud to be one of only 10 Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs) in the UK, receiving extra investment to deliver cutting-edge training where the industry needs it most. With links to major employers including Vinci, Kier, Mace and SWIFT Brickwork, you’ll leave with the skills, experience and confidence to succeed. And with employers often coming to NCC first to fill vacancies, our students get the inside track on new job opportunities.

Available Campuses

Dates
Start: 01/09/2025
End: 03/07/2026
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
Dates
Start: 01/09/2025
End: 03/07/2026
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027

What Can This Course Lead To

This Diploma is ideal for 16-19 year-old students who have an avid interest in motor vehicles, their maintenance and repairs, and who wish to develop experience in a variety of motor industry sectors, at a level to suit their ability. It can support their progress to a Diploma at Level 2. Successful students can apply, via a job or an apprenticeship, for direct entry into the motorcycle or vehicle servicing industry on completion of the progression route for Level 2.

Life At NCC

Discover what life is like at the largest college in East London today!

Facilities for Students

At New City College we have a range of world-class facilities across our campuses.

Financial Support

There are several ways we can help you cover the cost of your studies.

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