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Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Poole

Cost£5,421.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Poole. Classes run at Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education, full-time during the day. The course runs for one year and covers diagnosing and repairing faults across the main vehicle systems. You'll need a Level 2 Automotive Diploma in Maintenance and Repair, plus GCSEs at grade 4 or above in English and maths (or Level 2 Functional Skills equivalents). This IMI car mechanic qualification prepares you to work as a light vehicle technician or diagnostic technician.

Who this course is for

The Level 3 Automotive course is a 1 year full time course.

The course is dedicated to giving the learner the ability to carry out

maintenance and repair on the main Vehicle components and systems.

This course is designed to enable the student to be able to diagnose and

rectify faults and have a good understanding of the vehicle systems and how they

work.

Your learning will be assessed through a combination of:

  • Workshop

based tasks and questioning from your assessor

  • Written assessments

•

Online testing

  • Recording your work weekly using an E-portfolio to show your

progress.

Entry requirements

You will require 4 GCSEs at Grades 9-4 (formerly A*-C) in English and Maths and successful completion of a Level 2 Automotive Diploma (Maintenance & Repair) Alternatively, You will have previously achieved a Level 2 Functional Skill in English and Maths and successfully completed a Level 2 Automotive Diploma (Maintenance & Repair).

What you will learn

  • You'll diagnose and rectify faults in light vehicle engines
  • You'll diagnose and repair vehicle auxiliary electrical faults
  • You'll diagnose and rectify light vehicle chassis system faults
  • You'll inspect light vehicles and record your findings
  • You'll apply health, safety, and housekeeping standards in a workshop
  • You'll use materials, tools, and measuring devices correctly
  • You'll develop knowledge of how vehicle systems work together

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of theory lessons and practical workshop sessions. Assessment includes workshop-based tasks, questioning from your assessor, written assessments, and online testing. You'll record your progress weekly using an e-portfolio. You'll also complete a placement at a local automotive garage to gain hands-on work experience.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Light Vehicle Service Technician: servicing and maintaining cars in a garage
  • Light Vehicle Diagnostic Technician: identifying faults using diagnostic equipment
  • MOT Tester: carrying out vehicle roadworthiness inspections
  • Workshop Technician: general repair and maintenance in an automotive workshop
  • Vehicle Breakdown Technician: roadside fault diagnosis and repair

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Apprenticeship (Light Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician): the provider notes this course prepares you to apply for a Level 3 Apprenticeship, combining paid work with structured training.
  • IMI Level 4 qualifications in automotive management or advanced diagnostics: a next step if you want to move into senior technical or supervisory roles.
Apply on thecollege.co.uk →
Apply now →

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