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Free Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Leigh-on-Sea

CostFREE
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Leigh-on-Sea. Classes run at South Essex College Stephenson Road Campus, full-time during the day. This free car mechanic course is open to UK and EU students under 19 who are not in employment. It builds on a Level 2 Motor Vehicle qualification, taking your skills and knowledge to a higher level over 12 months. You'll cover advanced service and repair techniques, advanced diagnosis, and theory including electronics, vehicular maths and science. This level 3 car mechanic qualification is awarded by IMI.

Who this course is for

This course is to develop your skills and knowledge in motor-vehicle repair and maintenance as a progression from your level 2 qualification, further preparing you for the possibility of industry employment.

Entry requirements

Level 2 qualification in Motor Vehicle or similar, plus GCSE grade 4/C in English or Maths

Successful attendance at interview event

What you will learn

  • You'll apply advanced service and repair techniques to light vehicles.
  • You'll work through advanced diagnosis processes to identify faults.
  • You'll study the theory behind vehicular maths, science and electronics.
  • You'll develop your understanding of ICT as used in modern vehicle systems.
  • You'll practise hands-on practical skills in a workshop environment.
  • You'll strengthen your maths and English alongside your technical studies.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom and workshop based, with a mix of theory and hands-on practical sessions. You'll be assessed through coursework and practical assessments. The practical element puts you to work on real vehicle tasks, while coursework covers the underpinning theory. You'll also sit online exams as part of the assessment process.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College Stephenson Road Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Light vehicle technician: servicing and repairing cars in a garage
  • MOT tester: carrying out vehicle safety inspections (additional licence required)
  • Diagnostic technician: using electronic tools to identify vehicle faults
  • Vehicle mechanic: general repair and maintenance across a workshop
  • Dealership technician: working within a franchised car dealership
  • Fleet technician: maintaining vehicles for a company or organisation

What you could study next

After completing this course, you could move into employment as a mechanic and build experience on the job. For further formal study, a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair would strengthen your practical competence record and support applications for a more senior technician role. With experience, supervisory or management qualifications in the automotive sector are also an option.

Apply on southessex.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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