Quick facts
| Qualification type | IMI Certificate in Automotive Maintenance |
| 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 3 in English and Maths (or equivalent), or a Level 1 qualification and Functional Skills. You will also be required to successfully complete an interview. |
| Campus |
West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | 30 hours work experience |
Is it for me?
This engaging and motivating course is for you if you have a keen interest in the maintenance of various types of transport, and the job roles that are available within the Automotive Industry.
This qualification will help you develop your technical skills and insights, along with your personal and social skills, behaviours, and attitudes - helping you to build your 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 develop your knowledge and skills across a variety of specialist areas to prepare you for further studies and kickstart your chosen career in Automotive.
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
- Introduction to Health and Safety in the workplace
- Introduction to common tools and equipment for vehicle maintenance and repair
- Engine operation and components
- Lubrication system components and maintenance
- Spark ignition engine fuel system components and maintenance
- Compression ignition engine fuel system components and maintenance
- Steering system components and maintenance
- Suspension system components and maintenance
- Braking system components and maintenance
- Wheel and tyre construction and maintenance
Equipment required for the course
You'll need to purchase the following items in advance of starting your course:
Overalls
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
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Diploma Year 2
- Motorsport Engineering Diploma Level 3
Example careers
- 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