Automotive Light Vehicle Service and Repair IMI Level 1 Diploma
Course level: 1
Course code: CP0177
07/09/2026
Is this course right for me?
Get on the road to a great career in the automotive industry with the Level 1 Diploma in Automotive.
This pre-apprenticeship programme will develop your skills and knowledge in a range of areas and give you a multi-skilled qualification which will enable you to progress to a higher level qualification or an apprenticeship in the area that interests you the most.
You will learn skills in light vehicle service and repair, vehicle body repair, vehicle body refinishing, valeting and vehicle construction and use your skills in a realistic working environment in our modern industry-standard workshop.
*** Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre now open!***
You will train at the new purpose-built £8.1 million purpose-built Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the Wellington Road campus, in Bilston, which boasts a 12-bay automotive workshop, a drive-in electric vehicle lab containing simulated training boards, a four-wheel laser alignment machine, and ADAS and Bosch diagnostic equipment.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
To access this course you will be required to:
- Have three or more GCSEs (including maths or English) at grade 4 or above*
- Attend an interview at the college
- Complete an online assessment to determine your current skills and knowledge
- You will also be expected to commit to good attendance and punctuality and demonstrate a commitment and good attitude to learning and achieving the previous qualification.
*Applications from adults without the necessary qualifications but with relevant industry experience will be considered on an individual basis.
What will I learn?
During the course you will study a range of modules from the following selection:
- Vehicle engine lubrication systems
- Vehicle engine cooling systems
- Vehicle fuel and exhaust systems
- Vehicle spark ignition systems
- Vehicle electrical systems
- Vehicle braking systems
- Vehicle transmission systems
- Vehicle steering and suspension systems
- Vehicle wheels and tyre systems
- Vehicle hand skills and manufacturing techniques
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course you will:
- Learn about the automotive industry
- Gain an understanding of the principles and procedures for carrying out basic vehicle checks and repairs
- Improve your skills in vehicle valeting
- Learn the basic principles of vehicle construction
- Find out how engines and components operate
- Learn about maintenance and the use of tools
- Gain skills in the removal and refitting of body panels
- Learn basic vehicle body repairs such as filler repairs and painting techniques
- Find out about health and safety
How will I be assessed?
Throughout the course you will be assessed through observation of practical tasks, written assessments, assignments, research and online tests.
What can I do next?
Successful completion of the course will enable you to:
- Progress to Level 2 Diploma in either Vehicle Technology, Vehicle Inspection or Vehicle Body and Paint
- Pursue an apprenticeship in the automotive industry
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
Discover what life’s like at City of Wolverhampton College
New £61m campus developments
Our new four-storey campus in Wolverhampton city centre is the flagship of the council’s £61 million City Learning Quarter Vision.
State-of-the-art facilities
Study in purpose-built workshops with industry-standard equipment and commercial facilities, gaining real client experience. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, tech-equipped classrooms, and access to laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets—everything you need for success.