Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Plymouth. Classes run at City College Plymouth, full-time during the day. This City and Guilds car mechanic qualification covers the principles of light vehicle maintenance and repair at Level 3. The course runs for 42 weeks. You'll study engine systems, electrical systems, and vehicle inspection alongside the underpinning theory that employers expect at this level. It's a strong foundation for working as a mechanic in a garage or dealership.
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 to diagnose faults.
You'll study vehicle electrical and electronic systems, including diagnostics.
You'll learn how braking, steering, and suspension systems operate and are maintained.
You'll understand transmission and driveline components and their repair principles.
You'll study heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in light vehicles.
You'll learn how to carry out vehicle inspections and interpret technical data.
You'll develop knowledge of health and safety practices in an automotive workshop.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based teaching and practical workshop sessions. Assessment includes written assignments, practical tasks, and knowledge tests that cover the core principles of light vehicle maintenance and repair. You'll be assessed on both your understanding of theory and your ability to apply it to vehicle systems.
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. Service and repair cars in a garage or dealership.
MOT tester. Carry out statutory vehicle inspections (requires DVSA authorisation after this qualification).
Vehicle technician. Diagnose and fix faults using diagnostic equipment.
Service advisor. Use technical knowledge in a customer-facing workshop role.
Fleet maintenance technician. Keep company vehicle fleets roadworthy.
Automotive parts advisor. Apply vehicle knowledge in a parts and supply role.
What you could study next
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. The competency-based NVQ is what many employers and apprenticeship frameworks require for a skilled-worker role. It pairs well with the principles Diploma you'll have completed.
IMI Level 4 Certificate in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement. As electric vehicles become more common, this specialist qualification opens up work on EV and hybrid systems.
Automotive management qualifications. If you're interested in running a workshop or moving into a supervisory role, business and management courses at Level 3 or 4 are a natural next step.
