Free Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Blackburn

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Blackburn. Classes run at Blackburn College, full-time during the day. This is a one-year course that gives you the knowledge and practical skills to work as a mechanic in a garage, dealership, or vehicle production environment. You'll train in a purpose-built automotive hub with industry-standard workshops. To join, you'll need GCSE Maths and English Language at grade 4 or above, and you must have completed a Level 1 and Level 2 Motor Vehicle course.

Who this course is for

Maintenance and Repair Specialist (City & Guilds) Level 3 will provide you with the essential knowledge needed to someday be a successful mechanic working within a motor vehicle garage, dealership or within bespoke vehicle production.

You will study in our world-class £5.5m Regional Automotive Technology Hub (RATH), which was developed collaboratively with leading car manufacturers. Look forward to state-of-the-art workshops that look and feel just like industry.

The Regional Automotive Technology Hub (RATH) is also a commercial garage and dealership, offering MOT testing and the opportunity to work on real customers' cars.

Within our world-class facilities, you will get to work on everything from Formula One parts to electric and hybrid vehicles, enabling you to develop a set of skills that are future proof.

We work with a broad range of high-profile partners, including Chorley Nissan, Simpsons Skoda and Bowker BMW to provide you with a number of exciting opportunities. These range from work placements to career-boosting workshops. The skills you gain during an industry work placement will make you an attractive candidate to any future employer.

We've also taken our students on some really exciting trips in the past, including Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, National Transport Museum, Prestige Karting, Autosport International at Birmingham NEC and Track Day at Three Sisters Race Course.

Entry requirements

Grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English Language - you must have completed Level 1 and Level 2 Motor Vehicle course

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to diagnose and repair light vehicle engine systems.
  • You'll develop skills in vehicle electrical and electronic systems.
  • You'll study transmission, driveline, and chassis systems.
  • You'll learn how to inspect and maintain braking and steering systems.
  • You'll understand fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
  • You'll apply health and safety practices used in automotive workshops.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical work in workshop sessions alongside classroom-based theory. Assessment includes practical tasks, written assignments, and knowledge tests. You'll be assessed on your ability to carry out maintenance and repair procedures to industry standards.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Vehicle technician: diagnosing and repairing cars in a garage or dealership.
  • MOT tester: carrying out statutory vehicle safety inspections.
  • Service technician: routine maintenance and servicing at a dealership.
  • Automotive diagnostic technician: using specialist equipment to identify faults.
  • Fleet maintenance technician: keeping company or commercial vehicles roadworthy.
  • Apprentice master technician: progressing toward senior workshop roles.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair: the NVQ route that supports a skilled-worker CSCS-equivalent card in automotive and is valued by employers for competency sign-off.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Techniques: for technicians moving into complex diagnostics and management roles.
  • Apprenticeship Standard: Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle): combines work and study toward full professional recognition.

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