Free Level 1 Car Mechanic Course in Blackburn – Blackburn College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Car Mechanic Course in Blackburn. Classes run at Blackburn College, full-time during the day. This is a one-year car mechanic qualification covering how vehicles are built, how engines work, and how to carry out routine maintenance. You'll study light vehicle systems including brakes, steering, suspension, transmission, and electrical systems. To join, you'll need 3 GCSEs at Grade 2 or above, including Maths and English Language, or completion of an Entry Level course.

Who this course is for

Maintenance and Repair Specialist (IMI) Level 1 will provide you with the foundation knowledge needed to someday be a successful mechanic working within a motor vehicle garage, dealership or within bespoke vehicle production.

You will study in our world-class £5.5m Regional Automotive Technology Hub (RATH), which was developed collaboratively with leading car manufacturers. Look forward to state-of-the-art workshops that look and feel just like industry.

The Regional Automotive Technology Hub (RATH) is also a commercial garage and dealership, offering MOT testing and the opportunity to work on real customers' cars.

Within our world-class facilities, you will get to work on everything from Formula One parts to electric and hybrid vehicles, enabling you to develop a set of skills that are future proof.

We work with a broad range of high-profile partners, including Chorley Nissan, Simpsons Skoda and Bowker BMW to provide you with a number of exciting opportunities. These range from work placements to career-boosting workshops. The skills you gain during an industry work placement will make you an attractive candidate to any future employer.

We've also taken our students on some really exciting trips in the past, including Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, National Transport Museum, Prestige Karting, Autosport International at Birmingham NEC and Track Day at Three Sisters Race Course.

Entry requirements

3 GCSEs at Grade 2 including Maths and English Language or completion of an Entry Level course

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how light vehicles are constructed and how their main systems work.
  • You'll carry out routine maintenance tasks on light vehicles.
  • You'll study the operating principles of engines, tyres, brakes, steering, and suspension.
  • You'll learn how transmission systems work and how to maintain them.
  • You'll understand light vehicle electrical and electronic systems.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical workshop activity at Blackburn College. Assessment is based on the City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma requirements, which include practical tasks and knowledge assessments. Your progress will be assessed throughout the course rather than in a single final exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Blackburn College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Vehicle technician apprentice: entry-level workshop role servicing cars
  • Tyre and exhaust technician: fitting and replacing tyres and exhausts
  • Lube technician: carrying out oil changes and basic vehicle checks
  • Garage assistant: supporting qualified mechanics in a workshop
  • MOT preparation assistant: getting vehicles ready for testing

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Operations: the natural next step, covering more advanced repair and diagnostic work.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair: the qualification that leads toward becoming a fully qualified vehicle technician.
  • Motor vehicle apprenticeship: combine work and study to gain hands-on experience while earning.

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