Who is this course for?
This is an ideal starter course for anyone considering a career as a service technician in the automotive industry who wants to learn about repair and vehicle refitting. This course is the start of a journey towards jobs that can be as varied as the fast fitting of tyres and exhausts, to working with Formula One racing vehicles.
What are the entry requirements for the course?
Minimum five GCSEs at grades 2 or 3 (grade D-E) or higher, including BOTH Maths and English Language.
How long is this course?
This is a one-year full-time course, starting in September and ending in June.
What will I study on this course?
The course has a blend of theory and practical aspects of light vehicle maintenance and is divided into ten units, including:
Routine Vehicle Servicing: This introduces the principles of routine light vehicle servicing. Learners will learn about the tools and equipment that would be used during routine vehicle maintenance, as well as the procedures that must be used to ensure this is carried out safely and effectively.
Health & Safety in the Automotive Environment: This unit will introduce health and safety general requirements when in automotive environments including: personal responsibilities, common risks & hazards, and health & safety information.
Four-stroke Engine Technology: This unit will introduce the principles of Spark Ignition (SI) engines, components, and operation.
Use of Workshop Tools & Equipment: This unit will introduce the tools and equipment that are used in an automotive environment, and covers being able to work safely when using these items. The unit covers common hand tools and equipment used during routine vehicle maintenance.
Low Carbon Technologies: This unit investigates how vehicles impact the environment and looks at the measures that vehicle manufacturers are taking to reduce carbon outputs. It will also introduce the learner to the importance of precise engine fuelling and ignition to aid emission reduction.
Vehicle Electrical Principles: This unit will introduce vehicle electrical systems, components, and operation. It covers identifying the main components used in vehicle systems, and the main electrical principles and terminology. The learner will look at fundamental operating principles of vehicle electrical systems, be able to interpret simple electrical diagrams, and create their own lighting circuits.
Steering Systems & Tyre Technology for Light Vehicles: This unit will introduce the principles of vehicle steering systems and tyre technology. It covers identifying the main components used in non-assisted steering systems, and the purpose and function of these components. It also looks at current light vehicle tyre technology, including fitting and balancing.
Light Vehicle Braking Systems: This unit will introduce the principles of vehicle braking systems, components, and operation. It covers identifying the main components used in the braking system, and the purpose and routine maintenance of these components.
What Qualification will I gain?
Jersey Progression Certificate/Diploma in Automotive Studies.
Students must pass all units to gain the Diploma.
Will I go out on work experience?
Courses at Highlands College are about preparing you for the world of work. As part of your course, you will learn how to go about presenting yourself to an employer to stand the best chance of getting the job you are looking for. You will spend at least one week in a work placement and work towards an employability qualification.
What does this course lead on to?
Progression is into the motor vehicle industry and a specialist course in light vehicle maintenance and repair on a day release basis.
Achieving other qualifications and gaining experience as part of the Highlands College Study Programme will enable you to progress to other Advanced Technical or Vocational courses that the college offers.
How much will it cost?
There are no fees for this course.
How can I find out more?
For further information, please contact the Highlands College Admissions team on: 608582 or email: fulltimeapplications@highlands.ac.uk.
Additional Information
All 6th form courses are subject to minimum enrolment numbers. Where a course does not meet the required number, it will be reluctantly cancelled for that academic year. Applicants affected will be contacted and offered a transfer to another course if a suitable one is available.
Anyone who has been out of education for longer than 6 months will be invited for interview. Following interview, the application will be referred to a review panel.
International students should contact Jersey Immigration on immigration@gov.je before making an application.