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Free Level 1 Car Mechanic Course in Manchester – The Manchester College Openshaw Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Car Mechanic Course in Manchester. Classes run at The Manchester College Openshaw Campus, full-time over one year. You'll study engines, exhausts, steering, braking, ignition, suspension, electrical circuits, and wheel and tyre maintenance. The course covers light and heavy vehicles, motorcycles, agricultural machinery, and leisure craft. Around 70% of your time is spent in the workshop, so you get hands-on practice from the start. This is a strong entry point into the automotive trade and a recognised car mechanic qualification.

Who this course is for

This Level 1 Automotive Maintenance qualification is for you if you have a keen interest in the automotive sector and want to learn about maintenance associated with vehicles and machinery including:

  • Light and heavy vehicle
  • Motorcycle
  • Land-based engineering including agricultural machinery, construction and plant-based machinery
  • Leisure craft

You’ll study modules on a range of systems and components within vehicles including enginees, exhausts, steering, braking, ignition and suspension as well as wheel and tyre construction and maintenance and electrical circuits and compontents.

This one-year qualification is the perfect place to start your journey to industry excellence in the automotive industry.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how engines and exhaust systems work and how to maintain them.
  • You'll study steering, braking, and suspension systems on a range of vehicles.
  • You'll learn about ignition systems and electrical circuits and components.
  • You'll learn wheel and tyre construction and how to carry out tyre maintenance.
  • You'll study light and heavy vehicles, motorcycles, and land-based machinery including agricultural and construction equipment.
  • You'll gain practical workshop skills through hands-on tasks.

How you will learn

You'll spend around 70% of your time in the workshop carrying out practical tasks. The remaining 30% is classroom-based. Assessment is through online multiple-choice tests and practical tasks. Work experience is part of the course, and the campus will support you in finding a placement relevant to your studies.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Manchester College Openshaw Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Vehicle mechanic, how to become a mechanic starting with this qualification
  • Automotive technician, working on cars and light vehicles in a garage
  • Motorcycle technician, servicing and repairing motorcycles
  • Agricultural machinery technician, maintaining farm and construction equipment
  • Tyre and exhaust fitter, entry-level role in a fast-fit centre
  • Workshop assistant, supporting qualified technicians in a vehicle workshop

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. The natural next step after this course, covering light vehicle work in more depth and moving you closer to employment as a qualified mechanic.
  • Automotive apprenticeship. Combines paid work with structured training and leads to a recognised trade qualification.
  • GCSEs in English and Maths. Useful alongside your automotive studies and often required by employers and further training providers.
Apply on tmc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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