Automotive Service and Repair: C&G
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Course overview
Start your journey into the automotive world.
The Introduction to the Motor Vehicle Industry and Technologies course is ideal if you’re interested in cars, mechanics, or body repair and want to explore which area of the automotive trade suits you best.
This practical, introductory programme gives you a broad foundation in vehicle mechanics, body repair, and paint refinishing, helping you develop the basic technical skills needed to progress to higher-level study or entry-level employment.
Learning takes place in our fully equipped workshops, where you’ll gain hands-on experience using professional tools and techniques used across the motor industry.
You’ll finish the course with a solid understanding of how vehicles are built, maintained, and repaired — and the confidence to take your next step towards becoming a qualified technician.
This course is perfect if you:
- Have an interest in vehicles and how they work.
- Want to gain hands-on experience across mechanics, paint, and body repair.
- Are unsure which area of the automotive trade to specialise in.
- Would like to progress to SCQF Level 5 automotive qualifications.
- Are motivated to learn practical skills in a workshop setting.
What you will learn
You’ll gain a strong foundation across the three key areas of the automotive industry: light vehicle mechanics, body repair, and refinishing.
Core topics include:
- Automotive Foundation Skills – workshop safety, tools, and equipment use.
- Light Vehicle Maintenance – carrying out basic repairs and component checks.
- Vehicle Body Repair – identifying and rectifying minor body panel damage.
- Paint Preparation and Refinishing – preparing surfaces and applying coatings.
- Vehicle Systems – introduction to braking and electrical systems.
- Industry Projects – applying your knowledge to small repair or restoration tasks.
These practical sessions are supported by essential theory to help you understand how each system works and why accuracy and safety are vital in the trade.
Entry requirements
To apply for the Introduction to the Motor Vehicle Industry and Technologies, you should have:
✅ National 4 English, or equivalent qualification.
✅ A keen interest in learning about vehicle maintenance, bodywork, and refinishing.
✅ The motivation and enthusiasm to work safely and professionally in a workshop environment.
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 course prepares you for entry-level roles and progression routes within the automotive industry, including
🔧 Trainee Vehicle Technician (Car Mechanic)
🚗 Vehicle Body Repair Assistant (Panel Beater)
🎨 Vehicle Refinishing Assistant (Paint Sprayer)
🧰 Workshop or Service Centre Assistant
With further study, you can progress into more specialised roles as a qualified technician.
Future prospects
Successful completion of this course may lead to progression onto:
- SCQF Level 5 Automotive programmes
- City & Guilds Diploma in Vehicle Service and Repair
- Modern Apprenticeships within garages, dealerships, or body shops
This course gives you the foundation you need to build a career in the automotive, paint, or body repair industries.
