Motor Vehicle - Vocational Academy
Opportunities in the North West
Blackpool has more than 200 garages - from small family-run firms to main dealers - with regular openings for skilled technicians. Career opportunities cover the areas of motor vehicle, motor cycle, vehicle body, fast fit, vehicle electrics and HGV. There are also several Autosport companies in the region. Like most industries, the motor vehicle industry has been affected by the recent economic downturn but it is using this quieter period to upskill its workforce, ready for when the good times come again. This is a great time to be developing your skills too.
What Course Should You Do
Entry Level/Level 1
If you have not completed a GCSE programme
Level 1
If you have completed a GCSE programme (but don’t have 4 GCSEs at grade D or above)
- Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
- Motor Sport Maintenance and Repair
- Motor Cycle Repair and Maintenance
- Vehicle Body and Paint Operations
Level 2
If you have completed the Level 1 course
- Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
- Motor Sport Maintenance and Repair (National Certificate)
- Motor Cycle Repair and Maintenance
- Vehicle Body and Paint Operations
Level 3
If you have completed the Level 2 course
- Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
- Motor Sport Maintenance and Repair (National Diploma)
- Motor Cycle Repair and Maintenance
- Vehicle Body and Paint Operations
Academic Route
Level 2
If you have 4 GCSEs at grade D or above or a merit grade at First Certificate or Introductory Diploma you could do one of these courses:
- Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (National Certificate)
- Motor Sport Maintenance and Repair (National Certificate)
Level 3
If you have completed the Level 2 course you could do one of these courses:
- Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (National Diploma)
- Motor Sport Maintenance and Repair (National Diploma)
Career Low-Down
| Job title | What they do | How much they earn | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Master Technician | Diagnose and repair complex faults. Have specialist knowledge of computerised and electronic systems. | Up to £25,000 a year. | A Level 3 qualification. |
| Vehicle Refinisher | Repair damage to vehicle paintwork, caused by accidents or everyday wear and tear. | Up to £25,000 a year. | A Level 3 qualification. |
| Motor Cycle Master Technician | Diagnose and repair complex faults in motor cycles. | Up to £25,000 a year. | A Level 3 qualification. |
| Fast Fit Technician | Repair and replace worn or damaged tyres, exhausts, batteries and parts. | Between £15,000 and £20,000 a year. | A Level 3 qualification. |
| Autosport Technician | Responsible for vehicle repair, engine upkeep and expert maintenance of race cars to keep them in excellent condition. | £25,000 or more a year. | At least a Level 3 qualification although a university qualification will put you at an advantage when applying for posts. |
Meet the Learner
Name: Teresa Hester
Age: 17
High School: Montgomery
Course: Vehicle Body Level 1
Why College?
To make a difference
Why this course?
I worked at a garage for a couple of hours a week through a school programme. I enjoyed it and decided on a career in mechanics.
What’s good?
Being treated like a grown up and the tutor was really nice. I like the practical work–stripping and spraying panels. I’ve made some good friends too.
What’s best?
I’m so glad I came to College – it’s properly turned my life around. No one thought I’d stay longer than a week but my family are so proud.
What’s next?
I’ve already signed up for the Level 3 Vehicle Body. Eventually I’d like to work as a mechanic or have my own business. Working on Formula 1 racing cars would be a dream!
To find out more about Vocational study at Blackpool and The Fylde College, please visit our
Vocational Academy Section
