If you are aiming to build a career working with large commercial vehicles, this course provides the next step in your development within the automotive industry. The Level 3 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair enables you to deepen your technical knowledge and refine the practical skills required to diagnose, maintain and repair heavy vehicles such as lorries.
You will work in professional workshop environments using industry-standard tools and equipment, developing advanced skills across key systems including engines, electrical and electronic systems, chassis, braking and transmission. You will move beyond routine tasks to fault-finding, diagnostics and complex repairs, applying technical information and logical processes to solve real-world problems.
Alongside your practical training, you will strengthen your understanding of health and safety legislation, industry standards and workplace expectations. You will be expected to take greater responsibility for your learning, work more independently and contribute effectively as part of a team-reflecting the demands of a professional workshop environment.
This qualification is ideal if you are motivated, detail-oriented and committed to developing as a skilled technician. It prepares you for progression into employment, an apprenticeship or further specialist training within the heavy vehicle sector.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core units:
Health and safety
Job Roles in the Automotive Environment
Materials, Fabrication, Tools and Measuring Devices used in the Automotive Environment
Specialist units:
Diagnosis and Rectification of Vehicle Auxiliary Electrical Faults
Inspect Heavy Vehicles to Comply with Legal Requirements
Diagnosis and Rectification of Heavy Vehicle Engine Faults
Diagnosis and Rectification of Heavy Vehicle Chassis Faults
Diagnosis and Rectification of Heavy Vehicle Transmission and Driveline Faults Specialist units:
Diagnosing and Rectifying Heavy Vehicle Transmission and Driveline Faults All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
*All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal if you have an interest in Commercial Vehicles and wish to further your learning to gain a Level 3 qualification in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles.
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How is the course assessed?
This course is assessed through:
Practical tasks
Assignments
Online multi-choice exams
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
Vehicle systems, diagnostics and repair principles.
Health, safety and industry procedures.
Technical information, tools and equipment.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
You will have the ability to:
Inspect, diagnose and repair vehicle systems.
Use diagnostic equipment and workshop tools effectively.
Follow procedures and complete documentation accurately.
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Behaviours
What is required?
What is required?
Work professionally and responsibly.
Maintain high standards of safety and quality.
Communicate effectively and work collaboratively.
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General info
You may be required to go on trips or purchase a kit and uniform to undertake this course. Information about individual items and their associated costs will be sent to you in June/July before you enrol.
Some students may be eligible for support from the Student Bursary Scheme with the costs of coming to college. Applications are available on the college website under Student Support. If you require further assistance or would like to speak with a member of Student Services, please email financial.support@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734333.
If you are applying for financial assistance, please do not purchase any kit items. If your application is successful, the necessary items will be provided to you.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
This course opens the door for moving into a motor vehicle apprenticeship.
Career opportunities following this pathway could include becoming a heavy vehicle technician, workshop assistant or progressing towards specialist diagnostic roles within the transport and logistics sector.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Level 2 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and GCSEs at Grade 3 in English Language and maths.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements.
If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
