We can't wait to welcome you to Andover College in September!
We have created this interactive page to give you a sense of what studying Automotive Courses, including light vehicle repair principles, at Andover College is like. Scroll down to learn more about the courses on offer and sign up for the interactive session using Electude by sending us confirmation to use your email.
We will be regularly posting content onto this page to get you ready to start in September - make sure to send us any work you complete to andoverapplicantwelcome@sparsholt.ac.uk with 'Automotive' as the subject heading!
Check out the pictures of all the trips and extra-curriculum activities our students get to experience along with all the help and support we can provide through our experienced Careers and Health & Wellbeing teams.
Welcome to Automotive Courses!
Your lecturer Jon has put together a short info graphic to get you exciting about studying Motorsport at Andover in September - take a look here.
About the Course
The various IMI Diplomas offered at Andover are learning programmes designed to meet the current and future needs of the Automotive industry at Andover we are proud of the industry connections and first class professional teaching we can offer to applicants. In addition, you will hone your skills in the newly build £3.9 million Technology & Future Skills Centre!
If you have chosen the Level 2 Vehicle Inspections course, you will study:
- Spark ignition (petrol) engines
- Light vehicle braking system
- Exhaust systems and emission controls
- Inspection and replacement of light vehicle tyres
- Tools, fabrication and materials
- Introduction into electric, hybrid and alternatively fuelled vehicles
Progression from this course is to Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles
If you have chosen the Level 2 Maintenance and Repair course, you will study:
- Light vehicle engine mechanical
- Light vehicle engine technical
- Vehicle electrics
- Chassis systems
- Transmission systems
- Light vehicle servicing and repair
- Tools, fabrication and materials
- Roles and responsibilities within the automotive industry
Progression from this course is to Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles or to an apprenticeship.
Our Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles is more in-depth study of the units covered in level 2 but with the emphasis on electronic systems and fault diagnosis and rectification.
You will also take part in two karting sessions and a trip to the Autosport International show at the NEC Birmingham.
All of our courses are divided into theory and practical lessons in the classrooms and our well-equipped workshop.
The awarding body for all of our qualifications is the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the world’s leading automotive specific international awarding organisation.
During your second year we will help prepare you for your transition after college, whether this is into employment, higher apprenticeships or university.
Be sure to take a look at the IMI web page to explore your options in this exciting industry!
We look forward to seeing you all in September.
If you have any queries or would like any information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Jon Perrett - Motor Vehicle Lecturer
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more about the various topiics you will study at college in September? Take a look at these additional resources below and make sure you let us know how you get on!
Video recommendations:
Reading recommendations:
- Take a look at the IMI web page which has lots of interesting articles, blogs and insights into this exciting and fast-paced industry - here.
- Read up about the IMI qualification and its components - here.
- Take a look at our Motor Vehicle page to understand your course in more detail - here.
Before September you should have:
- Complete the Fire Safety module and quiz on Electude - here.
- Work through 4 Stroke Piston Engine Basics module and quiz on Electude - here.
- Take part in this car badge Kahoot quiz - here.
- Work through Pneumatic Wheel Gun basics and quiz on Electude - here.
- Complete Ratchets basic and quiz on Electude - here.
For help accessing the Electude resources please contact us via email. You will need to sign up as per the above request in order to access this material.
In addition, you may want to look into the variety of other online free courses available with the Open University. Take a look at their full catalogue here and keep your skills sharp over the summer!
Student wellbeing and support
At Andover College we understand that starting college in these uncertain times can be daunting and we aim to make this process as simple as possible.
We have a dedicated team that provide our students with any additional support they need including;
- Counselling
- Carer support
- Childcare support
- Confidential one-to-one services
We have also recently introduced two new members to the wellbeing team ... Arlo and Romeo the Therapy Dogs!
Arlo and Romeo are part of the continued effort from Andover College to consistently improve on and add to provisions for students. They are based on campus with their owners throughout term.
Research has shown that students are significantly less stressed and anxious, and even have increased happiness and energy, immediately following spending time in a drop-in session with a dog present. What good boys!
Not already applied?
Got this link but not yet applied? – Click below so you can join us in September!
Our Courses:
Level 1 Diploma in Transport Maintenance - Light Vehicle (Introduction to Motor Vehicle Studies, 1 Year)
IMI Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Fitting Principles (1 Year)
IMI Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Service & Repair principles (1 Year)
IMI level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Principles (1 Year)
Online Taster Session!
Hi all,
As we aren't able to see you in person in college at the moment we thought it would be great to let you know what we have been doing this year and also get you involved with some of the amazing e-learning resources we use here at Andover College within our Automotive and Motorsport departments.
To get you signed up to this we just need your permission to do so along with the following details:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Email address for you
Please send the above information to andoverapplicantwelcome@sparsholt.ac.uk with 'Automotive' as the subject heading. When we have all of this we will send an email to you with your login details. The link to access the resources will also be provided on this page so be sure to check back in regularly!
Look forward to meeting you all in September!
The Automotive and Motorsport Team
Careers Guidance
Our careers guidance aims to expand the horizons of all students enabling you to make informed career decisions in order to progress both during and after college.
Carol is our dedicated Careers Advisor for Andover College!
We also have our Sun Progression Mentor Anna!
Anna works alongside the Southern Universities Network (SUN) to help students recognise the routes of progression available to them, and to continue their journey in education!
We recently launched the new Careers Hub located in the College library so come and say hello to Carol and Anna!
Social Media
We love to post about all our students on our platforms including their achievements, trips and excellent work - take a look at some of the highlights below and make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!