Motor Vehicle Futures Level 2

Entry requirements

Maths and English GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C), plus two others at grade 3 (grade D) or above, plus a recognised Level 1 qualification in Motor Vehicle Studies or similar.

Course Overview

This course offers an ideal step to employment in the motor industry, either as an apprentice technician or mechanic. You will learn many transferable skills into related engineering sectors, and we will support you to progress and earn the knowledge and experience employers are actively seeking within this vocational specialism.  

What will I learn?

Our Motor Vehicle courses are based on the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, enabling you to gain the English and maths qualifications, alongside the transferable skills you need to progress onto your next step and help build your CV.  

You will learn how to correctly carry out mechanical and electrical/electronic tasks and make recommendations for repairs. You’ll also develop your listening and teamwork skills and learn the essential safety practices for the motor industry. All of which are essential for the motor vehicle and the engineering sector.  

You will be encouraged to maximise your potential and to develop long-term motor vehicle career plans, through theory and practical lessons.  

In theory lessons, you will research and work individually, in pairs and in small groups while taking an active part in discussions. This will be supported by interactive learning resources, practice assignments style questions, and learning new content using a variety of traditional delivery with teacher questioning and other problem-solving tasks. 

In practical lessons, you will develop skills through a combination of demonstrations, and tasks designed to develop their understanding of how automotive mechanical, electrical and electronic systems function. 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.  

For the Motor Vehicle Level 3 course, 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, which may not necessarily mean practical work experience in a motor vehicle workshop. This is due to the range of opportunities available and the nature of the work which means students may need to have already attained a certain working level in the specialism.    

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 2 course include:  

• Knowledge of health, safety and good housekeeping in the automotive environment 

• Skills in health, safety and good housekeeping in the automotive environment 

• Knowledge of materials, fabrication, tools and measuring devices used in the automotive environment 

• Knowledge of materials, fabrication, tools and measuring devices used in the automotive environment 

• Spark ignition engine systems, components and operation 

• Knowledge of inspection, repair and replacement of standard light vehicle tyres 

• Skills in inspection, repair and replacement of standard light vehicle tyres 

• Knowledge of light vehicle four-wheel alignment 

• Skills in light vehicle four-wheel alignment 

• Knowledge of inspection, testing and replacement of vehicle batteries and related components 

• Skills in inspection, testing and replacement of vehicle batteries and related components 

• Knowledge of routine light vehicle maintenance 

• Skills in routine light vehicle maintenance 

Assessment

At Totton College, we use a variety of assessment methods to ensure you achieve the Motor Vehicle Futures Level 2 qualification.

Modules are assessed in the form of a portfolio of work, including observations on practical tasks and 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 module and are designed to assess your knowledge of health and safety and tools and equipment. These will take place via a multichoice online test set by the awarding body and will be completed after the relevant module has been taught.  

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.

You will achieve the Level 2 IMI Automotive Maintenance (VRA) and will be able to progress onto the Level 3 Motor Vehicle Futures course in the next college year.  

You may also wish to discuss career options with the college career advisor prior to the completion of the course to investigate possible 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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