Course description
The motor vehicle industry keeps everybody moving. Specialist skills are needed by private individuals and industries such as public transport, HGV, retail delivery, breakdown recovery, emergency services and motorsports.
Study with us and you'll train in a real garage workshop, working on real cars. Whether you do an apprenticeship or a full-time programme, you'll face new challenges and stretch your abilities in a realistic working environment. On this programme you will learn the attributes, values, skills and attitudes for working in the motor vehicle industry. The programme is designed to increase your employability and prepare you for progression into a motor vehicle apprenticeship or onto a full time Level 2 programme.
Our state-of-the-art facilities include hybrid vehicle diagnostic equipment and the latest vehicle lifts. We have also been fortunate to receive donations of new vehicles from manufacturers including Hyundai, to offer students the chance to train on a range of engines. Our teachers create an exciting and supportive environment for students – offering insights and tips from their careers in the motor vehicle industry.
Successful students can progress to an apprenticeship in motor vehicle or on to the Level 2 programme at Reading College.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 2 (including Maths and English), compulsory Summer assessment attendance.
Training Course Content
The course blends practical workshop skills and activities with underpinning knowledge that is delivered in the classroom.
Alongside developing practical skills in motor vehicle, you will learn about health and safety, how to effectively work in teams on automotive projects and develop the attributes that will progress your career. You will learn about routine vehicle servicing, engine components and chassis systems (e.g., brakes, steering and suspension).
We will also support you in planning your career and applying for the next step – this will include job interviews or projects with real automotive employers!
GCSE English and maths is built into the heart of your programme, and you will have many opportunities to develop your literacy and numeracy skills in the context of the automotive industry. These GCSEs are an essential part of the programme because they enable you to progress onto the next level or into an apprenticeship upon successful completion.
Course delivery details
This programme is delivered in the classroom and in the motor vehicle workshop. Our well-equipped workshops and the range of vehicles you will work on make for a realistic working environment.
You will develop a core set of employability skills in the classroom through a mixture of independent and group activities. You will be expected to contribute to class discussions with maturity and participate in group projects.
The skills, behaviours and attributes you learn in the classroom will then be applied in the workshop, where you will learn core motor vehicle skills.
Your GCSE English and maths classes will be studied in the classroom and assessed through an end-of-year exam.
A work experience placement is an essential part of this programme. You will be expected to reflect on the skills you gain from your placement and include this in your coursework.
As this programme is designed to equip you with the behaviours and skills required to progress to the next level, start an apprenticeship or work in the automotive industry, you will be assessed on your work-ready behaviours throughout the programme.
You will build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your professional behaviours and how you have improved your attributes. This portfolio will include work from class-based activities, work experience, motor vehicle skills in the workshop and your interactions with real employers from the automotive industry.
GCSE English and maths will be assessed through formal exams at the end of the academic year.
Activate Learning
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. We work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. Our mission is to provide work-ready talent for business, and...