Intro to Motor Vehicle Industry & Technologies: IMI
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Course overview
Kick-start your career in the automotive industry with hands-on training.
The City & Guilds Diploma in Vehicle Service and Repair at Glasgow Kelvin College provides the essential knowledge and practical skills you need to begin a career in the fast-moving world of vehicle maintenance and repair.
Delivered over one academic year on a full-time basis, this course gives you real-world experience in our specialist automotive workshops, using industry-standard tools and diagnostic equipment.
You’ll learn how modern vehicle systems operate, how to diagnose faults, and how to carry out safe, professional repairs. The programme prepares you for employment, apprenticeships, or higher-level study within the automotive sector.
This course is ideal if you:
- Have a passion for cars, mechanics, or engineering.
- Enjoy problem-solving and practical, hands-on work.
- Want to begin a career in the automotive repair or servicing industry.
- Are looking for a recognised qualification that can lead to an apprenticeship or further study.
What you will learn
You’ll study a mix of theory and practical modules designed to build your understanding of vehicle systems and workshop practice.
- Vehicle Technology & Workshop Processes - Understand vehicle construction, components and operating principles while learning safe and efficient workshop routines.
- Routine Maintenance & Servicing - Carry out inspections, service tasks and basic repairs using industry-standard tools and techniques
- Fuel & Exhaust Systems - Explore the operation, maintenance and fault-finding processes for petrol, diesel and emission-control systems.
- Steering & Suspension Systems - Learn how to inspect, diagnose and repair common steering and suspension faults.
- Vehicle Electrical Systems - Develop skills in battery and charging systems, lighting circuits, electrical testing and safe handling of electrical components.
- Spark Ignition Systems - Understand ignition systems, components, testing and common diagnostic procedures.
All practical assessments are completed in our fully equipped motor-vehicle workshop.
You’ll also complete online multiple-choice knowledge tests and build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your competence.
On successful completion, you’ll be awarded a City & Guilds Diploma in Vehicle Systems.
Entry requirements
To apply for the City & Guilds Diploma in Vehicle Service and Repair, you should have:
✅ Three National 4 qualifications or above, ideally including English, Mathematics, and a Science subject.
These requirements may be waived at the discretion of the course leaders.
All applicants will be interviewed and may be asked to complete an aptitude test.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
This qualification provides a strong foundation for employment in the vehicle maintenance and repair industry.
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
🔧 Vehicle Technician / Mechanic (Light Vehicles)
⚙️ Diagnostic or Auto-Electrical Technician
🚗 MOT Tester or Vehicle Inspector
🧰 Workshop or Service Centre Technician
🛞 Parts or Service Advisor
🔋 Electric or Hybrid Vehicle Technician
With experience, you could progress to senior positions such as Master Technician or Workshop Supervisor, or move into specialist repair or motorsport work.
Future prospects
Successful learners can progress to:
- Higher-level automotive courses at Glasgow Kelvin College, or
- Modern Apprenticeships and employment within garages, dealerships, and vehicle service centres.
This qualification is a recognised pathway into the motor-vehicle repair and maintenance industry, where practical skills and accredited training are highly valued..
