
Automotive
Course level: 2
Course code: X0058
06/09/2027
If you are interested in vehicles, enjoy practical hands-on work and would like to build a career in the automotive industry, our IMI Automotive courses provide a pathway from entry level through to advanced technician level.
You will develop the skills and knowledge needed to service, maintain, diagnose and repair modern vehicles while gaining an understanding of vehicle systems, workshop practices, customer service and health and safety in the workplace.
You will train in our industry-standard workshops and gain practical experience using specialist tools, equipment and diagnostic technology. As you progress through the levels, you will develop increasingly advanced technical skills, including vehicle diagnostics, electrical systems and complex repair techniques.
You will study in our purpose-built Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre (ATAC), featuring a 12-bay automotive workshop, electric vehicle training facilities, four-wheel laser alignment equipment, ADAS systems and Bosch diagnostic equipment.
Our automotive programmes are designed to prepare you for further study, apprenticeships or employment within the motor vehicle industry.
Qualifications available
- IMI Entry Level 3 Diploma in Automotive
- IMI Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Light Vehicle Service and Repair
- IMI Level 2 Diploma in Automotive Light Vehicle Service and Repair
- IMI Level 3 Diploma in Automotive Light Vehicle Service and Repair
The qualification level you will be enrolled on will be discussed with you during your interview and will be based on your qualifications, experience and previous studies.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
For external applicants:
- Entry Level 3: Three or more GCSEs at Grade 1 or above, including English or maths
- Level 1: Three or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English or maths*
- Level 2: Successful completion of a relevant Level 1 Automotive qualification (or suitable industry experience*) plus three or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths
- Level 3: Successful completion of a relevant Level 2 Automotive qualification (or suitable industry experience*) plus three or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths
*Applications from adults without the required qualifications but with relevant industry experience will be considered on an individual basis.
For all levels, you will also be required to:
- Attend an interview with a member of the college admissions team
- Complete an assessment to determine your current skills and knowledge
- Demonstrate a good understanding of spoken and written English
- Show evidence of good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to learning
For internal progression learners (already studying with us):
Learners must be able to demonstrate that they:
- Have successfully completed a relevant course that naturally progresses onto this programme, achieving a good standard
- Have improved their English and maths grades since enrolment
- Have maintained good attendance and punctuality
- Show a consistently positive attitude to learning
What will I learn?
Depending on your chosen level, you may study:
- Vehicle servicing and maintenance
- Engine lubrication, cooling, fuel and exhaust systems
- Electrical and ignition systems
- Braking systems, ABS and vehicle safety systems
- Steering, suspension and transmission systems
- Vehicle inspection and fault diagnosis
- Vehicle body repair and refinishing techniques
- Vehicle construction and manufacturing processes
- Customer service and workshop operations
- Health and safety in the automotive industry
- Use and maintenance of specialist tools and equipment
- Advanced vehicle diagnostics and repair procedures
What skills will I gain?
By studying an automotive qualification you will:
- Develop practical vehicle servicing and repair skills
- Learn how vehicle systems operate and interact
- Build fault-finding and diagnostic skills
- Gain experience using industry-standard tools and equipment
- Develop knowledge of modern vehicle electrical systems
- Improve problem-solving and technical skills
- Develop customer service and communication skills
- Learn safe working practices within a workshop environment
- Build teamwork, time management and employability skills
- Prepare for apprenticeships and employment within the automotive sector
How will I be assessed?
During your course you will be assessed in the following ways:
- Practical observations
- Written assessments
- Assignments and project work
- Online tests
- Research tasks
Assessment methods may vary depending on the level studied and awarding body requirements.
What can I do next?
Successful completion of the course will enable you to progress to:
- A higher-level Automotive qualification
- University study
- Apprenticeship
- Employment within the automotive industry
Potential career areas include:
- Vehicle Service Technician
- Vehicle Repair Technician
- Diagnostic Technician
- MOT Tester
- Fast-Fit Technician
- Vehicle Body Repair Technician
- Vehicle Refinishing Technician
- Workshop Controller
- Service Advisor
- Automotive Manager
- Electric Vehicle Technician
- Self-employed Automotive Repair Specialist
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.
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Our new four-storey campus in Wolverhampton city centre is the flagship of the council’s £61 million City Learning Quarter Vision.

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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.

