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Motor Vehicle

STUDYING MOTOR VEHICLES AT WESTON COLLEGE 

If you’re driven by a love of cars, vans, trucks and motorcycles, then a career in the automotive industry may be top of your list.

There are 35 million registered motor vehicles in the UK, so career opportunities come thick and fast in every town and city across the country. Not only that, the UK is home to manufacturing giants like Vauxhall and Land Rover, premium worldclass brands such as Jaguar, Aston Martin and Rolls Royce, and a host of Formula One teams.

The retail automotive sector employs over 500,000 people with a turnover of a massive £146 billion per year!

Working in automotive involves manufacturing and maintaining vehicles such as cars, buses, and motorcycles. The sector is fast-changing, as it is required to develop with the latest technology, so students will need to be innovative with their approach to solving mechanical problems.

So whether you’re looking to take up a role with a major manufacturer or start your career at a local garage or national dealership, you’ll have your pick of the best careers by the time you complete your study programme with us.

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automotive center of excellence logo

 

We've bundled the best education in the area with career boosted benefits - and are leveraging our contacts as one of the largest Colleges in the country to give you the best possible chance of success.

Weston College works closely with employers from the automotive sector who are always looking for talented and skilled young people to work as mechanics, technicians and fitters.

We work with a range of employer partners and have a number of industry accreditations. These are all important factors in ensuring your study programme with us makes you job-ready. These include: Carbase, Halfords, Institute of the Motor Industry, ADT, Howards Motor Group, Mill Auto and more ...

Our programmes are endorsed by:

Mercedes Benz Weston Logo
sytner logo
BCA logo
ATS Euromaster logo
Avon Auto Clinic logo
Block automotive logo

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Level 1

Motor Vehicle, IMI Diploma

1 Year
Sep 2025
SOUTH WEST SKILLS CAMPUS
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This qualification is perfect for you if you’re looking for a way to break into the motor industry. The Level 1 Motor Vehicle Diploma provides a general introduction and solid foundation for individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in automotive engineering. Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical workshops...

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Level 2

Autocare Technician, Apprenticeship

30 Months
Aug 2025
SOUTH WEST SKILLS CAMPUS
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The Autocare Technician apprenticeship is an ideal choice for anyone who is passionate about the automotive industry and has a keen interest in vehicle maintenance and repair. This exciting programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on training, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to excel as an autocare techn...

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Level 2

Motor Vehicle, IMI Diploma

1 Year
Sep 2025
SOUTH WEST SKILLS CAMPUS
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The Level 2 Motor Vehicle Diploma offers an advanced pathway for individuals looking to expand their knowledge and skills in the automotive industry. This comprehensive programme builds upon the foundation established in Level 1 and provides students with a deeper understanding of motor vehicle maintenance and repair. Through a combination o...

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You can progress onto degrees and higher apprenticeships with UCW...
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THE FACILITIES

The South West Skills Campus offers a state-of-the-art automotive training centre with facilities including:

  • Three large industry-standard training garages
  • MOT testing centre
  • Extensive fleet of high-quality training vehicles including BMWs, Mercedes and Jaguars
  • Green car technologies including our own electric vehicle
  • Dedicated motorsport environment
  • IMI-approved centre
  • Virtual reality training
  • E-learning suites.

OUR AUTOMOTIVE VIDEOS

 

 

 

Competition squad selections for 2023 are open!

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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

Robert with award
Robert
Once Rob started the Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, it became evident very quickly that he wished to gain as much knowledge as possible to allow him to advance and achieve his goal.
Studied:

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, Level 3

LATEST NEWS

Luke Merchant Worldskills winner now working for Mercedes

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3a859296-bbd8-47a1-8827-479f742450cc}{123}" paraid="2098962334" xml:lang="EN-GB">Level 3 Automotive apprentice Luke Merchant has been recognised with an award from&nbsp;the Institute of Motors Industry</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3a859296-bbd8-47a1-8827-479f742450cc}{123}" paraid="2098962334" xml:lang="EN-GB">(IMI) for his outstanding success as&nbsp;a WorldSkills Silver Medallist as he now accelerates into his career working as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes!&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Luke Merchant motor vehicle apprentice with award&quot;" data-align="right" data-langcode="en" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97bf7b57-b25b-4007-85e7-a0942fa7e855" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9b187397-97b1-478e-8532-22a485128119}{72}" paraid="1208974252" xml:lang="EN-GB">WorldSkills UK&nbsp;is an independent charity that works with employers, education, and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’.&nbsp;Over 3,000&nbsp;learners&nbsp;registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in&nbsp;March 2021. Luke was awarded the prestigious silver medal at the 2021 automotive technologies finals where he has to compete as one of the&nbsp;top learners in the country.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{147}" paraid="632116090" xml:lang="EN-GB">After Luke finished his apprenticeship, he then went on to work as a Vehicle Technician at Mercedes Benz, Weston-Super-Mare&nbsp;where he continues his career in automotive technology.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{232}" paraid="1715772793" xml:lang="EN-GB">Luke states:&nbsp;"Working for Mercedes has been great so far. I am really enjoying getting to know all their systems and processes.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{105}" paraid="482070947" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Winning the silver medal at WorldSkills and my time at Weston College has helped me massively. I'm now more confident in myself and always trying my best to develop and grow my skills."&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{80}" paraid="2092104593" xml:lang="EN-GB">Steve Harvey, Head of Business at&nbsp;Mercedes Sytner comments: "Since joining the team here at Mercedes Benz W-s-M, Luke has been doing a fantastic job!&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{229a9fec-0eed-4076-ac0c-e3c9582474b4}{102}" paraid="1159978829" xml:lang="EN-GB">Firstly, working alongside an experienced Mercedes-Benz technician, so he could understand how the workshop work flows, regarding health and safety, use of the diagnostic equipment and of course meeting the rest of the team. Luke has also got involved with looking at all process’s which are involved when working on our customers cars.”&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{136}" paraid="654450139" xml:lang="EN-GB">Steve continues: "Luke is now working on his own, and we are really pleased with the progress he is making. At present with all the new product coming through from new electric to diesel and petrol and of course the awesome AMG range, it is an exciting time to be joining Mercedes-Benz and the Sytner Group!&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{85bb760a-469c-44e0-94a9-1b461a6001a1}{194}" paraid="972418085" xml:lang="EN-GB">Some of the electric cars which will be coming through are outstanding and have the latest high-tech equipment, safety, and performance packages available, for example the new EQS with the hyper screen.”&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{164}" paraid="975241476" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Luke will now be able to have the full training on these types of vehicles, it is definitely a great time to join our team of very skilled technicians. We will certainly be looking for more aspiring talent to join our team. Luke is an example of what can happen with a tremendous attitude and drive to further his potential during and after completing his NVQ3."&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{7c81eb9c-5810-4ffa-88f2-cf011e6eb9ce}{245}" paraid="1882477818" xml:lang="EN-GB">Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills&nbsp;is just one&nbsp;of the&nbsp;exclusive&nbsp;opportunities available&nbsp;to learners&nbsp;through their&nbsp;newly launched&nbsp;Career Excellence Hubs. At the College, each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits,&nbsp;which include&nbsp;WorldSkills competing opportunities.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b34342ef-d8d5-49a8-a368-66df3e6737c7}{152}" paraid="661974729" xml:lang="EN-GB">Congratulations Luke! &nbsp;</p>

Michaela Cook - Motor Vehicle

<p>The Automotive industry is exciting and dynamic. Cars are everywhere, and they often need servicing, repairs and enhancements!</p>

<p>The Automotive Career Excellence Hub is a way for Weston College learners to enter industry while being supported the whole way through. Learners have the chance to get vital experience in what a mechanic’s workshop is actually like which will prove incredibly useful for their future career.</p>

<p>Learners will benefit from meeting mechanics and being able to get their foot in the door early for future employment in these workshops. Some of the skills learned in these work placements could include body repairs, paint, working on interior &amp; trim, and repairing the electrical systems on a vehicle.</p>

<p>Careers that learners in the Automotive Career Excellence Hub can go into include being a vehicle technician, mechanic or electrician, vehicle body repairer, vehicle paint technician, or a parts salesperson or advisor. These careers are lucrative, with individuals in these roles earning a good living. For example, a vehicle technician earns on average £26,068.</p>

<p>On top of attending the Career Excellence Hub, learners will be able to study at one of our three full-size Automotive workshops at the South West Skills Campus. This area features working vehicle ramps and all of the tools that learners will find in industry. The Automotive team also has several cars which can be worked on by learners to learn crucial skills such as servicing, diagnostics and repair. These vehicles are changed and updated frequently to provide further experience of different models and issues.</p>

<p>For more information on how to apply to Weston College and join our amazing Career Excellence Hub for Automotive, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor… here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Apprentice

<p>Weston College has been named as the Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Provider of the Year for the third year in a row.</p>

<p>The awards were virtual this year, and were hosted by BBC personality, Ali Vowles. There were winners from across the region, as the hard work of apprentices, employers and training providers were recognised.</p>

<p>Weston College learners picked up prestigious awards too, with Harvey Castree (Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (Engineering, Manufacturing, Energy &amp; Electrical) and Danny Gould-Dyer (Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (Health, Wellbeing, Care &amp; Education) winning their categories.</p>

<p>The highlight of the evening was the Bristol &amp; Bath Apprentice of the Year award which went to Harvey, for his fantastic work with his employer, GKN Aerospace.</p>

<p>This is further success for the Weston College Apprenticeship Team, with Leadership and Management apprentice, Dan Green, recently winning the Gloucestershire Apprentice of the Year.</p>

<p>The College delivers a range of apprenticeships from Level 2 to degree-level and works with many high-profile employers in the Bristol and Bath area, including the Ministry of Defence and GKN Aerospace and Royal United Hospitals Bath.</p>

<p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “I am delighted that we have managed to win this award for the third year in a row, it really does showcase the amazing work that goes on in this College on a daily basis.</p>

<p>“Our team are once again bucking the national trend, creating new opportunities for our learners. Our apprentices are also having huge impacts on their businesses, and it is fantastic to see.</p>

<p>“I’m also delighted for our learners, as we had six apprentices make the finals, with both Harvey and Danny coming out victorious. Our learners show such a fantastic attitude to their studies and I am thrilled to see them performing so well in such a difficult period.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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