Introduction To Vehicle Technology

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LOCATION & START DATE
Cornwall College St Austell - 8 September 2025
LEVEL
Entry Level Levels Explained
DURATION
1 Year
LEARNING AREA
Motor Vehicle Find out more
ATTENDANCE
Full-time

Course information

Do you love cars? Always have your head under the bonnet, tuning an engine? Want to take that passion and turn it into a career, working with cars day in, day out? Then look no further, because we have the course for you.

This introductory course is the perfect starting point if you want a job working with cars but need to develop your literacy and numeracy skills before progressing onto some of our more advanced automotive courses. It’s all about practical learning, with lessons delivered in our fantastic workshop facilities, where you’ll see what life is like in a working garage.

You’ll improve your understanding of vehicles and the automotive industry, giving you plenty of experience before you decide what you want to study next. You may want to work in vehicle maintenance and repair, vehicle fitting, or paint and bodywork – whatever takes your interest, this course is the perfect place to start.

If you can’t get enough of cars and have your sights set on becoming a mechanic, then this is the course for you and will be your first step in a career in automotive engineering.

Because this is an introductory course, you’ll do a little bit of everything when it comes to cars. This will help you prepare for progression onto the Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair diploma.

You’ll get a better idea of the career you want when you’re out on the workshop floor, trying different things every day. And if you’re still undecided, your course tutors and our dedicated support team will be there to show you what careers are possible and how you can get your dream job working with cars and vehicles.

This one-year introduction will identify the systems, components and terminology used in the automotive industry, you will be introduced to how the systems work and how they interact with one another. By gaining an introduction to all the systems of a car, how they work and how they interact with one another, you will be prepared for the more specialised practical repair, installation and diagnostic elements of further qualifications.

The minimum entry requirements are usually grade 2 in GCSE English and Maths, with an informal interview to discuss your interest in the course. However - as this is our entry-level course - anyone who wishes to apply, who does not have these GCSE grades, can discuss entry requirements at interview.

You will be assessed through online assessment, practical assignments and through written reports. All assessment activity will be planned and the timetable shared with you at the beginning of the academic year. The assessments will be linked to the taught units and assessments will coincide with unit progress and completion. You will be informed of progress after the assessments, with overall progress tracked and available to view to ensure you can monitor progress towards agreed targets.

Once you’ve finished the Entry 3 course, you’ll have a real awareness of light vehicle components and systems and be ready to move on to the more advanced Level 1. This course is an introduction to the automotive industry for students who love cars but need to improve their literacy and numeracy skills before progressing onto a Level 1 Diploma. Armed with your increased knowledge and skills as well as essential progress with maths and English abilities you can progress with confidence; building on your aspiration to pursue a career in the automotive industry.

Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

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Course type 16-19 Adult
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Tuition fees: £0
If you’re aged 16-18 when you begin your course, you will usually be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support section.
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Tuition Fees: £1292.00
If you are aged 19+, the cost of the course will depend on your circumstances. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support Section.
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Course Code 10493-STA-25

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

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