Free Level 2 Car Mechanic Course in Birmingham – University College Birmingham

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Car Mechanic Course in Birmingham. Classes run at University College Birmingham, full-time during the day. The course takes two years to complete and covers routine maintenance and repair of cars and light vehicles. You'll work in industry-standard workshops, learning engine systems, chassis systems, electrical systems, and diagnostic procedures. Topics include health and safety, tools and equipment, steering, suspension, brakes, and vehicle servicing. This is a strong starting point for a career as a vehicle technician in a sector that employs over 800,000 people across the UK.

Who this course is for

Do you see yourself working with cars, fixing problems and keeping vehicles running smoothly? This Level 2 course is designed for students who want to launch a career in the automotive industry or gain valuable skills in vehicle servicing. It provides the essential foundation to succeed in the motor vehicle sector, combining both hands-on experience and theoretical understanding of routine maintenance and repair procedures for cars and light vehicles.

Industry fact: The UK automotive sector employs over 800,000 people and is rapidly evolving with new technology - from hybrid engines to advanced diagnostics - making skilled technicians more in demand than ever. On this course, you’ll cover everything from health and safety in the workshop to tools and diagnostic equipment, routine servicing, engine systems, chassis systems such as steering, suspension and brakes, and electrical and electronic systems.

Learning takes place in industry-standard workshops, giving you the chance to practise real-world skills such as removing, inspecting and replacing components, while also developing a clear understanding of how vehicle systems work. Alongside technical training, you’ll build employability skills to prepare you for progression into apprenticeships, further study or employment in the fast-moving automotive industry.

Entry requirements

Please refer to the University College Birmingham course page for specific entry requirements.

What you will learn

  • You'll carry out routine servicing and maintenance on cars and light vehicles.
  • You'll work with engine systems, identifying faults and replacing components.
  • You'll inspect and repair chassis systems including steering, suspension, and brakes.
  • You'll use diagnostic equipment to identify electrical and electronic faults.
  • You'll apply health and safety procedures in a workshop environment.
  • You'll remove, inspect, and refit vehicle components to industry standards.
  • You'll develop an understanding of how vehicle systems work together.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a combination of hands-on workshop sessions and classroom-based theory. Assessment includes practical tasks carried out in the workshop, written assignments, and knowledge tests. You'll be assessed on your ability to carry out maintenance and repair procedures correctly and safely. The course is delivered full-time during the day over two years.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Vehicle technician. Service and repair cars in a garage or dealership.
  • MOT tester. Carry out statutory vehicle safety inspections.
  • Service advisor. Liaise between customers and the workshop team.
  • Parts advisor. Source and supply vehicle parts in a dealership.
  • Roadside recovery technician. Diagnose and fix breakdowns on location.
  • Fleet maintenance technician. Keep company vehicle fleets roadworthy.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology. The natural next step for a car mechanic qualification at technician level, and the route toward a skilled-worker CSCS-equivalent card in the automotive sector.
  • Level 3 Certificate in MOT Testing. Required if you want to become a qualified MOT tester.
  • IMI Level 3 Award in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Systems. Specialist training for working on electric and hybrid vehicles, increasingly in demand across the sector.

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