Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Harlow

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

Free for 16 to 18 year olds. Fees apply for adults. Advanced Learner Loan available. Contact Harlow College for more info.

About this course

Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Harlow. Classes run at Harlow College, full-time during the day. You'll need a pass in a Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair before you start. It's free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, an Advanced Learner Loan may be available. This car mechanic qualification covers fault diagnosis and repair across engines, chassis systems, transmission, and electrical systems. The course takes one year and includes English and Maths.

Who this course is for

Those who enjoy the motor vehicle sector and wish to develop experience in a variety of motor industry sectors. This course is designed to engage and motivate students who are interested in learning about the maintenance of motor vehicles and the various roles that are available in the retail motor industry.

Entry requirements

Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair will need to be completed and a Pass achieved. English and Maths qualifications are included in this course.

What you will learn

  • You'll diagnose and repair light vehicle engine faults
  • You'll diagnose and rectify chassis system faults
  • You'll diagnose and repair transmission and driveline faults
  • You'll diagnose and rectify vehicle auxiliary electrical faults
  • You'll apply health, safety and good housekeeping practices in an automotive environment
  • You'll develop knowledge of job roles and working practices in the automotive industry
  • You'll carry out practical fault diagnosis assignments on light vehicles

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on practical assignments in an automotive workshop environment. Core units cover engine systems, chassis, transmission, and electrical faults. You'll also complete optional units from a range of approximately 15 choices. Assessment is through practical assignments and written work. English and Maths are taught and assessed as part of the course.

What you will need to bring

There is a £60 charge for materials and a locker fee. You'll also be expected to pay for stationery and textbooks. Harlow College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Light vehicle technician. Servicing and repairing cars at a garage or dealership
  • MOT tester. Carrying out statutory vehicle safety inspections
  • Diagnostic technician. Using specialist equipment to identify vehicle faults
  • Service advisor. Supporting customers and technicians at a motor dealership
  • Vehicle mechanic. General repair and maintenance across a range of vehicles
  • Fleet technician. Maintaining vehicles for a company or organisation

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Automotive Engineering. Moves into engineering principles and management, suited to those aiming for senior technical or supervisory roles.
  • IMI Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair. Adds specialist skills in electric and hybrid vehicles, increasingly sought by employers as the industry shifts.
  • Apprenticeship Standard: Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle). Combines on-the-job training with formal study toward full technician status.

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