Introduction To Vehicle Technology 16-19 Adult

Course information

Do you love cars? Always have your head under the bonnet, tuning an engine? Want to take that passion and turn it into a career, working with cars day in, day out? Then look no further, because we have the course for you.

This introductory course is the perfect starting point if you want a job working with cars but need to develop your literacy and numeracy skills before progressing onto some of our more advanced automotive courses. It’s all about practical learning, with lessons delivered in our fantastic workshop facilities, where you’ll see what life is like in a working garage.

You’ll improve your understanding of vehicles and the automotive industry, giving you plenty of experience before you decide what you want to study next. You may want to work in vehicle maintenance and repair, vehicle fitting, or paint and bodywork – whatever takes your interest, this course is the perfect place to start.

If you can’t get enough of cars and have your sights set on becoming a mechanic, then this is the course for you and will be your first step in a career in automotive engineering.

Because this is an introductory course, you’ll do a little bit of everything when it comes to cars. This will help you prepare for progression onto the Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair diploma.

You’ll get a better idea of the career you want when you’re out on the workshop floor, trying different things every day. And if you’re still undecided, your course tutors and our dedicated support team will be there to show you what careers are possible and how you can get your dream job working with cars and vehicles.

What You Will Learn

This one-year introduction will identify the systems, components and terminology used in the automotive industry, you will be introduced to how the systems work and how they interact with one another. By gaining an introduction to all the systems of a car, how they work and how they interact with one another, you will be prepared for the more specialised practical repair, installation and diagnostic elements of further qualifications.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are usually grade 2 in GCSE English and Maths, with an informal interview to discuss your interest in the course. However - as this is our entry-level course - anyone who wishes to apply, who does not have these GCSE grades, can discuss entry requirements at interview.

Assessment

You will be assessed through online assessment, practical assignments and through written reports. All assessment activity will be planned and the timetable shared with you at the beginning of the academic year.

The assessments will be linked to the taught units and assessments will coincide with unit progress and completion. You will be informed of progress after the assessments, with overall progress tracked and available to view to ensure you can monitor progress towards agreed targets.

Progression

Once you’ve finished the Entry 3 course, you’ll have a real awareness of light vehicle components and systems and be ready to move on to the more advanced Level 1. This course is an introduction to the automotive industry for students who love cars but need to improve their literacy and numeracy skills before progressing onto a Level 1 Diploma. Armed with your increased knowledge and skills as well as essential progress with maths and English abilities you can progress with confidence; building on your aspiration to pursue a career in the automotive industry.

Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our St Austell campus

Events

Open Event Taster Event

Cornwall College St Austell

Open Event & Taster at St Austell Campus

• 4 Nov 2025
• 12 Feb 2026
• 9 May 2026