Quick facts
| Qualification type | IMI Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times |
You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements |
GCSE at grade 4 in English and Maths (or equivalent), or or a Level 2 qualification and Functional Skills. You will be required to successfully complete an interview. Applicants for the course are expected to demonstrate a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and professional behaviours such as reliability, teamwork, and a commitment to safety and quality in the automotive industry. |
| Campus |
West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | 30 hours work experience |
Is it for me?
On this course, you will develop the skills required to carry out routine services and repairs of light vehicles including removing and replacing engine parts, auxiliary electrical components and chassis units, as well as learning how to conduct pre- and post-work inspections.
This qualification will help you to further develop your technical skills and insights along with key personal and social skills, behaviours, and attitudes to build confidence. You'll undertake practical tasks, in our workshops equipped with industry-standard tools and equipment, on a range of vehicles from road vehicles to high-performance motorsport cars. You'll further develop your knowledge and skills across a variety of specialist areas to prepare you for further study or to launch your chosen career in the automotive industry.
While learning how to work effectively and safely, you will improve your employability through the enhancement of your communication, numeracy and information technology abilities.
What you'll learn
- Chassis technology
- Servicing and inspection
- Engine technology
- Electrical & electronic technology
- Transmission technology
- General aspects e.g. health and safety, legal aspects and organisational requirements
- Engineering processes (e.g., tool manufacture & technical drawing)
Equipment required for the course
You'll need to purchase the following items in advance of starting your course:
- Overall
- Safety boots
- Safety goggles
- Torch
Work experience placements
Work experience is a big part of this course - you'll need to undertake 30 hours within a work experience placement in the automotive sector, which will give you a massive advantage when you are ready to move into employment.
Assessment
You'll be assessed via a variety of methods including practical tasks, an online test and written assignments.
Further study
- Motorsport Engineering Diploma Level 3
Example careers
- Breakdown Engineer
- Car Dealer
- Driver
- Mechanic
- Mechanical Engineer
- Tyre Technician
- Auto Electrician
- Auto Body Repair Technician
- Quality Testing Engineer
- Auto Designer
- Vehicle Inspector
- Safety Development Engineer
- Vehicle Manufacturing
- Research and Development
- Formula 1 Engineer
- Product Planning Manager
Days & times
Starting September 2025