IMI Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

If you are a full-time student aged 16-18, you will follow a study programme which will consist of your main automotive maintenance course, enterprise and enrichment activities, English and Maths* and work-related experience.

*Should you not achieve at least a grade 4 in English (Literature or Language) and Maths you will be required to continue to study these as an integral part of your course.

Units that you will study include:

• Tools, materials and fabrication: This unit will give you the knowledge to correctly select, use and maintain tools for different vehicle repairs as well as using consumable materials efficiently such as cleaning products, oils, antifreeze or fixings. You will also be taught fabrication and repair techniques such as measuring, cutting, drilling and tapping.
• Health, safety in the workplace: Within this unit you will learn about health and safety regulations, roles and responsibilities, accident and emergency reporting procedures and documentation. Together with hazards and health and welfare in the workplace, it also covers working safely in a workshop, working with pneumatic and electrical power tools and fire emergency procedures.
• Roles and responsibilities in an automotive environment: In this unit we investigate how various automotive departments operate together in a large dealership; an example of this might be how a vehicle repair workshop utilises support from a parts department, body repair shop, paint repair workshop and valeting department. We will also ensure you are confident and competent working with and directing an assistant for jobs that require more than one person.
• Knowledge and Skills of Routine Light Vehicle Maintenance: This unit will teach you the skills and knowledge that you need to maintain cars and vans and keep them on the road. You will learn servicing techniques, how to change a variety of filters and how to assess how worn various components are so that you are confident in keeping customers informed of the condition of their vehicle.
• Engine Mechanical Systems, Lubrication and Cooling: At level 2 you will build on the engine knowledge you gained at level 1 and go far more in-depth into your understanding of engine technology. You will learn about different engine configurations and modern advances in engine technology. You will also gain a comprehensive understanding of different lubrication methods and techniques and delve deeper into cooling systems and the way in which they operate. You will have the opportunity to practice skills by working on more complex engines, changing timing belts, replacing radiators that require bumper and headlight removal as well as testing techniques in our workshops.
• Light Vehicle Fuel, Ignition, Air and Exhaust Systems: In addition to the previous unit you will also learn, in detail, about different fuel systems such as common rail diesel injection or multipoint petrol injection. You will also learn about ignition systems in greater depth by exploring the impact that Electronic Control Units and various sensors have made on efficiency, performance and emission control. To ensure your knowledge of engines is comprehensive and thorough, you will also learn about Turbochargers, Superchargers, diesel particulate filters and catalytic converters.
• Removing and Replacing Light Vehicle Electrical Units and Components: Modern vehicles use a whole host of electrical systems, and you will gain a detailed understanding of their operation, as well as how to repair them. You will learn how to replace and test alternators and starter motors as well as how they operate, and you will also gain experience in replacing other components such as window and wiper motors.
• Removing and Replacing Light Vehicle Chassis Units and Components: Chassis repairs are very common in the automotive industry and you will learn to inspect and replace a wide variety of components such as shock absorbers and coil springs, as well as steering and braking components. You will also learn the theory behind why different systems are used for different vehicles and the benefits and shortfalls of each.
• Removing and Replacing Light Vehicle Transmission Units and Components: This unit explores manual and automatic transmission in detail. You will learn how clutches and gearboxes operate and how to remove and refit them. You will also learn about torque converters and planetary gearsets.
• Knowledge of Inspecting Light Vehicles Using Prescribed Methods: By the end of this unit you will have an excellent understanding of what to look for when inspecting a vehicle as well as plenty of practice in using our facilities to do it. You will also gain experience of using a roller brake tester so that you fully understand what is checked during an MOT test.