This is a Level 3 vocational qualification which provides individuals with specialist technical knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to work in the light vehicle maintenance sector as a light vehicle diagnostic technician; alongside the development of wider transferable skills for use across the whole retail motor industry.

This qualification was developed with input from employers, professional bodies and training providers; and therefore includes the core knowledge and skills required by the sector.

This Level 3 Tech Level qualification provides a progression path from the Level 2 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance qualification, which will enable the learner to further develop and expand their knowledge, understanding and skills required to reach a diagnostic technician level. Therefore, this qualification is ideally suited to learners with some prior experience or knowledge of vehicle systems, tools and equipment, vehicle servicing and Health and Safety. Learners with no prior knowledge and experience within these areas may be better suited to the Level 2 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance qualification, which will enable them to develop their knowledge and experience prior to progressing to a diagnostic technician level.

This qualification is for learners who have a keen interest in light vehicle maintenance and are looking to progress within this industry. It will provide them with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills at the level suiting their ability at entry.

This qualification is a Tech Level at Level 3 and has been developed primarily for schools and colleges to deliver to learners aged in the 16-19 age group either on a full or parttime basis; however, it is also suitable for 19+ learners who wish to enter the sector. (The study of ‘A’ levels, such as Maths, Physics and English, would complement this qualification.)

The qualification has been designed to be practical, engaging and motivating to support learners in gaining the key knowledge and skills required by light vehicle maintenance employers. Once they have achieved this qualification, learners can progress to further or higher education in automotive and engineering subjects (including an advanced apprenticeship) or to a job role in the light vehicle maintenance sector as a light vehicle technician.

100% of the vocational learning within this qualification relates to the light vehicle maintenance sector. Learners will develop transferable skills required to work within a number of job roles within the motor industry:

• Diagnosing and rectifying vehicle auxiliary electrical faults

• Diagnosing and rectifying engine and chassis system faults

• Diagnosing and rectifying transmission and driveline system faults

• Diagnosing, rectifying and reporting on complex light vehicle faults

Learners will also have the opportunity to choose to develop their knowledge and skills in several of the following areas:

• Overhauling electrical units

• Overhauling light vehicle transmission units

• Identifying and agreeing customer service needs

• Thermal joining and cutting techniques

• Inspecting vehicles using prescribed methods

At the end of the qualification, learners will complete a core (synoptic) unit in which they will diagnose, rectify and report on complex light vehicle faults. This will demonstrate that they can identify and use effectively an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories, and knowledge from across the light vehicle maintenance and repair sector. It is a mandatory requirement that the learner will also engage with, and benefit from, meaningful employer involvement during the achievement of this unit.

As a result, learners successfully completing this qualification will acquire significant core knowledge and practical skills which span the light vehicle maintenance sector, transferable skills required to work within a number of job roles in the retail motor industry and additional knowledge and skills to enhance their employability. This qualification should also encourage the learner to appreciate the value of literacy and numeracy skills in the world of work. Assessment The qualification is assessed using a range of methods appropriate for this level of technical qualification. Learners will gain their knowledge and skills in a mainly workshop based environment by carrying out tasks, which their assessors will observe. Learners will collect evidence of their skills and knowledge in a ‘portfolio of evidence’. In the mandatory topic areas learners will also be required to pass multiple choice questions, set and marked by IMI, to prove their knowledge and understanding.

Achievement of this qualification is graded, pass, merit or distinction.

This qualification will support a learner’s progression on to an Advanced Apprenticeship, such as the IMI Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or to employment in light vehicle maintenance as a trainee light vehicle diagnostic technician.

This qualification, following further training and development, could lead on to a Foundation degree in Automotive Engineering or Automotive Technology or to higher education (HE) programmes such as MEng or BEng in Automotive.

The automotive industry is so vast and wide-ranging that you’ll be able to find the right job, even if you’re not sure what it is when you start. You might choose to focus on a type of vehicle, to work on accidents and repairs or to get involved in a non-technical role. Whatever your interests, there are a range of career paths to follow;

Light Vehicles

A career that focuses on light vehicles can involve the inspection, maintenance, repair and servicing of vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.

Heavy Vehicles

Lorries and trucks keep the world of commerce moving and you could be involved in helping to supply the goods we rely on every day.

Accident Repair

Helping repair vehicles that have been involved in accidents to get them back on the road can offer great reward and job satisfaction. 

Motorcycles

If you have a passion for motorcycles, see how you can turn it into a career through a range of jobs working with these vehicles.

Parts

The automotive industry would grind to a halt without the millions of parts needed to make repairs and you can play a key role in this process.