Motor Vehicle Futures Level 1

Entry requirements

Students can apply with any grade in English and maths but must have a keen interest in the mechanical and electrical aspects of how cars work.  

Course overview

Our motor vehicle course offers an ideal step to progressing onto a Level 2 qualification, offering many transferable skills into related engineering sectors. Through this course we will support you to progress and learn the skills employers are actively seeking from future mechanic and motor vehicle specialists. 

What will I learn?

Our motor vehicle courses are based on the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, enabling you to gain critical skills and transferable skills that you need to progress onto your next step and help build your CV.  

As part of this course, you cover the essential teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills needed for the sector. You’ll also learn about alternative fuels, the economics of fossil fuels, reducing waste and increasing the life span of light vehicles all to support sustainability. You will also have the opportunity to study maths and English to support your progression and ensure you have the qualifications required for the sector. 

You will learn in both practical and theory lessons, engaging in research and learning to work individually, in pairs and in small groups while taking an active part in lessons and discussions. This will be supported by interactive learning resources, practice assignments style questions, and other problem-solving tasks.  

In practical lessons, you will develop skills through demonstrating your understanding of how automotive mechanical, electrical and electronic systems function. You will develop skills to identify faults and make recommendations for adjustments and replacement of parts.  

In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn maths and English as part of this course. 

Work Experience

As part of the Get Set! framework, we encourage all students to engage in enrichment activities to support your learning.  

You will be required to complete 60 hours of work experience during the college year. This can be undertaken throughout the year or during the two work experience weeks, one in February before the half-term break and the other the week before the Easter holiday. 

You will be supported to take part in relevant work experience within the sector or related industry, due to the range of opportunities available and the nature of the work. Students may need to have already attained a certain working level in the specialism they’re looking to gain work experience in. 

In addition, you will have the opportunity to interact with industry representatives in person or online, to find out about what it’s like to work in the automotive industry and career prospects both locally and at a national level. 

Modules

Modules for the Motor Vehicle Futures Level 1 course include:  

• Health and safety in the workplace 

• Exhaust system components and maintenance 

• Suspension system components and maintenance 

• Steering system components and maintenance 

• Wheel and tyre construction and maintenance 

• Spark ignition system components and maintenance 

• Spark ignition engine fuel system components and maintenance 

• Compression ignition engine fuel system components and maintenance 

• Engine cooling system components and maintenance 

• Lubrication system components and maintenance 

• Engine operation and components 

• Vehicle electrical circuits and components 

• Tools, equipment and consumable materials for vehicle maintenance 

Assessment

At Totton College, we use a variety of assessment methods to ensure you achieve the Motor Vehicle Futures Level 1 qualification.

Modules are assessed in the form of a portfolio of work; this could include observations on practical tasks or written assessments. You will be supported with all your work and your teacher will go through all this when you sign up for the course. 

Assessments of skills units will be via a combination of observed practical tasks and a written portfolio of evidence. Assessments take place throughout the year, usually towards the end of each unit and will be used to assess your knowledge of health and safety and tools and equipment. These will take the form of a multi-choice online test set by the awarding body. 

Enrichment Opportunities

Students will interact with industry representatives in person or online, to find out about what it’s like to work in the automotive industry and career prospects both locally and at a national level. 

Career and Progression

After successfully passing this course, you will have the core knowledge to progress to a higher-level qualification and to move forward towards your chosen career.

On successful completion of this course, you will achieve the Level 1 IMI Automotive Maintenance (VRA). After completing this course students can progress onto the Level 2 Motor Vehicle Futures course in the next college year.  

You may also wish to discuss career options with the college careers advisor to explore apprenticeships or entry-level employment. 

During my course, I’ve gained skills in fixing and maintaining cars, enjoying the hands-on experience that helps me learn in a real world setting. My proudest achievement at Totton College has been learning to stay engaged and focused during lessons, which has improved my practical work. My advice to new students is to pay attention and stay focused, as it will help you develop the skills needed for success. After leaving Totton College, I hope to work in a body shop, continue developing my skills, and pursue a long term career in the motor vehicle industry

Makenzie Evans

Motor Vehicle Level 1 Student

Funding and bursaries

Students if you’re aged over 19 you may be eligible for free tuition depending on the course you want to study, your existing qualifications and your financial circumstances. For more information email info@totton.ac.uk or call 023 8087 4874.

Advanced Learner Loans are available for students who are aged 19 or over. Repayments do not begin until the course is completed and you are earning £25,000 or over. Eligible learners will be enrolling on a level 3 or above course and are a UK or EU national. For further information, visit gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

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