Young apprenticeship programme in the motor vehicle industry
Venue/provider: West Thames College, Skills Centre, Boundaries Road, Feltham
Who is this course for?
You should have an interest in cars and motor bikes and a desire to work in the motor vehicle industry. You should want to work with people, in a team and in an adult environment, and enjoy hands-on practical activities and learning and using new skills. This is a challenging Level 2 course and you need to be able to show that you can succeed in your studies. This course will prepare you for roles such as:
Bodywork repairs
Vehicle parts
Service and maintenance
After sales/customer care
Vehicle sales
Quick fit tyre/brake fitter
Road-side assistance
Where will I study?
The main course of study takes place at the Skills Centre, Boundaries Road, Feltham, where you will be taught by specialist tutors. You will need to attend one day per week – Tuesdays throughout year 10 and on Thursdays when you reach Year 11.
What will I study, what qualifications will I gain and how will I be assessed?
The IMI Certificate in Vehicle Fitting Operations an approved Level 2 vocational qualification will be the main course of study. Health and safety procedures form an important part of the course. You will also complete a portfolio of written work showing that you have understood the theory.
You will gain practical skills in our motor vehicle workshop to understand how the different parts of a car work and learn about routine maintenance and repair. You will work on cars in a large, well equipped motor vehicle workshop. Working on cars can be messy, so all students will wear overalls and protective footwear.
There are five sections to the IMI course:
Foundation studies – this includes changing tyres, using hydraulic jacks and repair
Chassis technology and routine maintenance – this includes braking systems and steering
Engine technology – this involves changing engine oil and filters and understanding lubrication and cooling systems
Transmission technology – this includes work on gearboxes and clutches
Electrical and electronic technology – this involves checking batteries, drive belts and charging and starting systems.
Your practical skills are assessed in the workshop and your tutor will complete a log which is signed when you have acquired the relevant skills. You will also complete an online health and safety test. You must complete a portfolio of written work to a satisfactory standard.
You will also have the opportunity to achieve other related qualifications / awards, including:
CIEH – Award in Health & Safety in the workplace
Other WRL qualifications and Awards i.e. EdExcel WorkSkills
and if successful you will end up with the equivalent of 5.5 GCSE A* to C grades.
To achieve the young apprenticeship, you will need to successfully complete the equivalent of 50 days of work experience placements spread over the 2 years of the course, linked to the sector and the qualifications being studied.
Next step
There are good career and job prospects in this industry, so you will need to create a good impression and demonstrate your practical and social skills with employers whilst you are on work experience. Along with your GCSEs the IMI level 2 qualification will give you a head start in applying for full apprenticeships in the motor vehicle industry where you will ‘earn and learn’ whilst gaining further qualification and training. Your connexions PA at school will help you with your next step.
For further information, contact:
Gareth Jones
Email: gareth.jones@hounslow.gov.uk
Suzanne Langton-Sanchez
Email: suzanne.langton@west-thames.ac.uk