Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Plymouth. Classes run at City College Plymouth, part-time during the day. This City and Guilds Level 3 car mechanic qualification covers the principles of light vehicle maintenance and repair. The course runs over 40 weeks, giving you time to build your knowledge at a manageable pace alongside other commitments. You'll study engine systems, electrical faults, brakes, steering, and more. Car mechanic classes cover both theory and practical understanding of how modern vehicles work.
Who this course is for
https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/find-a-course/
What you will learn
You'll learn how petrol and diesel engine systems work and how faults are diagnosed.
You'll study vehicle electrical and electronic systems, including sensors and circuits.
You'll learn how braking systems, steering, and suspension are maintained and repaired.
You'll understand transmission systems and how power is transferred through a vehicle.
You'll study heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in light vehicles.
You'll learn how to use diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle faults.
You'll understand health and safety practices in an automotive workshop environment.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at City College Plymouth, combining theory with practical workshop activities. Assessment is through a mix of written assignments, practical tasks, and knowledge tests that check your understanding of vehicle systems and repair principles. Your progress will be assessed throughout the course rather than in a single final exam.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. City College Plymouth will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Light vehicle mechanic, servicing and repairing cars in a garage
MOT tester, once you hold the relevant DVSA authorisation
Vehicle technician, diagnosing faults using diagnostic equipment
Automotive service advisor, using technical knowledge in a customer-facing role
Fleet maintenance technician, keeping company vehicles roadworthy
Breakdown recovery technician, assessing and repairing vehicles roadside
What you could study next
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Operations. The NVQ is the competency-based qualification that supports a career as a qualified vehicle technician and is recognised by employers in the automotive sector.
IMI Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement. As electric vehicles become more common, this specialist qualification opens up work on EV and hybrid cars.
Level 4 qualifications in automotive management or advanced diagnostics, for those moving into senior technical or supervisory roles.
