Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance – Level 1
This Level 1 Certificate course is aimed at school and college leavers who wish to join the automotive industry. It is also valuable for individuals keen to develop occupational knowledge and to undertake practical tasks.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This Level 1 Certificate course is aimed at school and college leavers who wish to join the automotive industry. It is also valuable for individuals keen to develop occupational knowledge and to undertake practical tasks.
Learners 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.
Entry Requirements
This course is suitable for students with no GCSE grades up to GCSE grade level 2. We offer either English/Maths Functional Skills or GCSEs in accordance with students’ abilities and grades.
What will you learn?
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
How will you learn?
This course will be delivered on-site.
What will you need to bring with you?
You must provide your own steel toe-capped boots to be worn at all times in the workshop. A £40 fee will also be required for overalls, sweatshirts and T-shirts.
How will you be assessed?
Underpinning knowledge will be assessed 90% through job card evidence – with observations of practical tasks to assess competency – and 10% via external multiple choice online examinations. Maths and English will be assessed through a final exam in both Functional Skills and GCSE formats.
Where next?
Subject to achieving this qualification, an exemplary attendance record and the required screening outcomes in Maths and English, you can progress to the Level 2 Subsidiary Diploma in Light Vehicle (Car) Maintenance and Repair, the Level 2 Full Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (if GCSE grade C/4 is achieved in both Maths and English) or to a Level 2 Light Vehicle apprenticeship if you are employed in the automotive industry as a vehicle technician.
Want to know more about life in the motor industry? Why not visit www.autocity.org.uk/world-of-work for an introduction?
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
This course could lead to one of these careers...
£0
Aircraft Maintenance and Related Trades
£40186
DCG Success Stories
Suhayl Bhikha
Halfords and Derby College offer career switch from shopfront to Autocentre floor
It’s good – very interesting. The company and college work well together.
Zubair Hussain
Degree in motorsport engineering puts Zubair on career fast track
I couldn't believe it. I'd always thought that uni was for clever people and I'd never thought of myself as clever. It was my Derby College lecturer Matt Curtis who encouraged me to go and do a degree. Our lecturers were great – just the best. They really wanted us to succeed.
Applications for 2025 Full-Time School Leaver Courses are now CLOSED FOR PROCESSING*
If you’ve already applied for a full-time vocational or academic course, please check your InTouch account to view your application status and accept any outstanding offers. We may also be trying to contact you by phone, so keep an ear out for calls from the College — to ensure we are progressing your first-choice course area.
Haven’t applied yet?
Your next opportunity will be during our Clearing Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 27th August at 12pm. Please note that places will be limited and subject to course availability, entry requirements, and interviews. Find out more about Enrolment and Clearing Enrolment: Enrolment and Clearing Information 2025
Course Information Last Updated On: February 14, 2025 9:40 am
