Free Level 1 Car Mechanic Course in Chichester – Chichester College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Car Mechanic Course in Chichester. Classes run at Chichester College, full-time during the day. This is a focused, year-long route into automotive maintenance. You'll build practical and technical skills covering how vehicles work, how to diagnose faults, and how to carry out repairs. The course covers both knowledge and hands-on work, giving you a solid foundation for employment in the motor trade. You'll need to attend an interview before starting, and you'll work toward GCSE-equivalent Maths and English alongside the main qualification if you haven't already achieved them.

Who this course is for

p Do you have a keen interest in Motorsport good practical skills and want to work at the forefront of engineering technology? Then this course is for you. As a Motorsport Technician you could be working in the maintenance & repair building and testing of motorsport vehicles in a range of racing divisions. Whether you want to be working on single seaters saloon cars rally cars drag racing or bike racing this cutting edge programme is exciting and rewarding with a strong vocational focus. /p p Many of our links can provide other work experience opportunities. So this course can fulfil the experience that you can not simulate in the classroom but if desired the building blocks needed to progress onto the second year Motorsport lev

Entry requirements

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What you will learn

  • You'll identify and describe the main systems in a vehicle, including engine, transmission, and braking.
  • You'll carry out basic vehicle inspections and safety checks.
  • You'll use workshop tools and equipment correctly and safely.
  • You'll diagnose common faults using practical and systematic methods.
  • You'll carry out routine servicing and maintenance tasks.
  • You'll follow health and safety procedures in a workshop environment.
  • You'll record and communicate technical information accurately.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on practical work in a workshop setting. Assessment is a mix of practical tasks and knowledge-based work. You'll be assessed on your ability to carry out maintenance procedures correctly and demonstrate your understanding of automotive systems. Regular attendance is required, with a minimum of 85% expected across your study programme.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Vehicle technician apprentice: entry-level workshop role servicing and repairing vehicles.
  • Automotive service advisor: customer-facing role in a dealership or garage.
  • Tyre and exhaust technician: specialist fitting and replacement work.
  • Motorcycle mechanic: maintenance and repair of motorcycles and scooters.
  • MOT tester trainee: working toward the DVSA-approved MOT tester qualification.
  • Parts advisor: identifying and supplying vehicle parts in a trade or retail setting.

What you could study next

A Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair is the natural next step. It deepens your technical skills and moves you closer to working as a qualified vehicle technician. From there, a Level 3 qualification or an apprenticeship can lead to IMI-recognised technician status, which many employers in the motor trade look for when hiring.

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