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

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Car Mechanic Environment Course in Manchester. Classes run at The Manchester College Openshaw Campus, full-time during the day. The course runs for one year. You'll explore a wide range of motor vehicle topics, including mechanical work, body and paint, and electrics, through a carousel approach that lets you shape the direction of your learning. You'll also develop the personal and social skills and behaviours that employers in the automotive sector look for. This level 1 car mechanic environment qualification is awarded by IMI.

Who this course is for

This Level 1 qualification is designed to help learners aged 14-19 years old to develop key personal and social skills, behaviours and attitudes that will build confidence in their own abilities and also how to demonstrate and apply these effectively.

You will also be given the chance to study a wide variety of Motor Vehicle topics in our unique carousel which allows learners to decide the direction they would like their future career to take. This will include mechanical, Body & Paint Electrical and Trim.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop personal and social skills valued in automotive workplaces.
  • You'll explore mechanical vehicle topics as part of a broad motor vehicle carousel.
  • You'll study body and paint techniques used in the automotive environment.
  • You'll learn about automotive electrics and how electrical systems work in vehicles.
  • You'll practise the behaviours and attitudes expected in a professional garage or workshop setting.
  • You'll identify which area of the automotive sector suits your interests and goals.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and hands-on activity across different motor vehicle subject areas. The carousel format means you rotate through topics including mechanical, body and paint, and electrics. Assessment is through the VRQ (Vocationally Related Qualification) framework set by IMI, focusing on demonstrated skills, knowledge, and personal development.

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

  • Car mechanic apprentice: entry-level role in a garage or dealership
  • Motor vehicle technician: diagnosing and repairing cars and vans
  • Body repair technician: working on vehicle bodywork and paint
  • Automotive electrician: fault-finding and fixing vehicle electrical systems
  • Parts advisor: supporting mechanics with vehicle parts and stock
  • Valeter: preparing and finishing vehicles to a professional standard

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair: the next step toward becoming a qualified motor vehicle technician, covering diagnosis, repair, and servicing in depth.
  • Level 2 Certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies: broadens your automotive knowledge and supports progression into an apprenticeship.
  • Automotive apprenticeship (Level 2 or Level 3): combines paid work with structured training, leading to a recognised trade qualification.
Apply on tmc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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