Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance – Level 1

The Level 1 Vehicle Maintenance course at Derby College Group is ideal for students who are new to the automotive industry and want to build a strong foundation of practical skills and technical knowledge. Aimed at school leavers and hands-on learners, this College-issued certificate introduces key concepts such as health and safety, tool usage, and vehicle systems, while developing transferable skills like problem-solving and professionalism. It serves as a stepping stone to further study, including the IMI Level 2 qualification, apprenticeships, or entry-level employment, making it a valuable starting point for anyone aspiring to a career in the motor vehicle sector.

To complement the course, students will also develop their skills in maths and English, through either Functional Skills or GCSE studies, which will support their main programme of study to help their future progression and enhance their life skills.

This course is suitable for students with a minimum GCSE grade at level 2. We offer either English/Maths Functional Skills or GCSEs in accordance with students’ abilities and grades.

Students will need to submit an application and attend an interview. Successful students will need to demonstrate a passion for automotive technology to be successful.

You will study:

• Health and Safety
• Tools, Equipment and Maintenance
• Spark Ignition Systems
• Liquid Cooling and Lubrication Systems
• Braking Systems
• Routine Vehicle Maintenance
• Wheels and Tyres
• Exhaust Systems
• Electrical Foundation Skills
• Welding Skills
• Motor Industry
• English (Functional Skills or GCSE resit)
• Maths (Functional Skills or GCSE resit)
• A minimum of five days’ work experience in a motor vehicle environment

Students on the Level 1 Vehicle Maintenance course at Derby College Group will learn through a fully on-site, practical delivery model. The programme is taught in purpose-built workshops using real vehicles and industry-standard tools, supported by classroom-based sessions and digital platforms such as Autodata and Microsoft Office. This hands-on approach allows students to develop technical skills, safety awareness, and digital literacy in a realistic automotive environment, ensuring they are well-prepared for progression into further study or employment.

Students must purchase and provide their own personal protective clothing. Coveralls and steel toe-capped boots should be worn at all times in the workshop. An Automotive Academy embroidered polo shirt must be worn and can be purchased during enrolment.

Students on the Level 1 Vehicle Maintenance course will be assessed through a combination of practical demonstrations, formative assessments, and digital tasks. These include hands-on activities in the workshop, observations, group discussions, technical drawings, and online quizzes using platforms like Microsoft Forms. Assessment is continuous and tailored to different learning styles. This course includes the IMI Level 1 Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Awareness qualification, which is a multiple choice exam completed online.

Maths and English:
Students studying Functional Skills Maths and English will be assessed through controlled assessments, which are structured and supervised tasks completed during the course. Those studying GCSE Maths and English will sit a final written exam at the end of the academic year. These assessments ensure students meet national standards and support progression into further education, apprenticeships or employment.

After completing the Level 1 Vehicle Maintenance programme at DCG, students typically progress to:

• The IMI Level 2 in Component Fitting or a full diploma – this is the most direct academic progression, offering deeper technical knowledge and more advanced practical skills.
• Apprenticeships – students may enter the workforce through structured training programmes with employers, combining paid work with continued learning.
• Entry-level employment – some students may secure roles such as trainee vehicle technician, workshop assistant, or service advisor in garages, dealerships or fleet services.

Students must demonstrate progression in their GCSE English and Maths grade in order to progress to a higher level course.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk