Free Level 1 Car Mechanic Course in Ealing – Southall Community College – Part-time

CostFREE
Duration8 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start25 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Car Mechanic Course in Ealing. Classes run at Southall Community College, part-time during the day. The course runs over 8 weeks, making it manageable alongside other commitments. You'll cover the fundamentals of automotive maintenance, building practical knowledge of how vehicles work and how to carry out basic servicing and checks. These are the foundations employers look for when hiring entry-level mechanics. You'll have an initial assessment to make sure this is the right level for you, and the centre will use it to plan your learning.

Who this course is for

16-18 year olds and Adults (19+)

Entry requirements

You will need an interest in working in the construction industry.Some previous experience is helpful, and being a 'hands-on' practical person is desirable to learn the skills required for the various jobs available leading from this course.

English, digital and maths skills will not be assessed separately, but will be included within your study time as they are essential building blocks for a successful career.

What you will learn

  • You'll identify the main components of a vehicle and understand how they work together.
  • You'll carry out basic vehicle checks and routine maintenance tasks.
  • You'll learn safe working practices in an automotive environment.
  • You'll develop practical skills in handling tools and equipment used in vehicle maintenance.
  • You'll understand how to identify common faults and the steps taken to address them.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom sessions and practical workshop activities. Assessment is based on your engagement with class projects, practical tasks, and successful completion of all course assessments. Your maths and English skills are developed within the practical and classroom work, so everything you study is relevant to the automotive trade.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Vehicle technician assistant. Support qualified mechanics in a garage or workshop.
  • Car mechanic apprentice. Earn while you train toward a full mechanic qualification.
  • Tyre and exhaust fitter. Entry-level role with on-the-job training.
  • Forecourt or fleet maintenance operative. Basic vehicle checks and servicing in a fleet setting.

What you could study next

A natural next step is the IMI Level 2 Award or Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. This takes your practical skills further and moves you closer to working as a qualified vehicle technician. From there, a Level 3 NVQ in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair is the qualification most employers and apprenticeship programmes look for in a fully skilled mechanic.

Related courses at Southall Community College

More courses near you