Stepping your career up a gear
Our large multi-bay workshops in Abingdon are perfect if you love nothing more than working on cars and bikes and want to turn that into a positive career choice. We use Snap-on tools and other specialist equipment to recreate a working garage environment.
Supercharge your studies
Our Motor Vehicle tutors (and some students) have direct links to the industry, such as Williams F1 and McLaren, which can lead to some amazing experiences!
Get a glimpse into the spacious motor vehicle garages based at our Abingdon campus, equipped with specialist tools and machinery.
Want to spend your time with your head under the bonnet rather than in a textbook?
By testing, fixing, tweaking, and learning you will gain a strong practical, technical and academic understanding of vehicle components and operations.
You will diagnose and repair a wide range of light vehicles in our state-of-the-art facilities, gaining skills valued by employers. Assignments will apply a theoretical framework to your practical work, ensuring you're progressing in the right direction.
There are trips to major employers too to give you industry insights, such as visiting Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey.
Studying Motor Vehicle courses at college will set you on the right path to working with large manufacturers, for independent garages, roadside assistance organisations or any number of exhilarating careers routes.
Staff Profile: John Stewart
Having qualified with a Level 3 City & Guilds qualification in Motor Vehicle Repair, John began his career in the army, working as a Mechanic for 7 years.
John then progressed to work for the AA for 17 years as a roadside repair mechanic before joining Abingdon & Witney College’s Motor Vehicle department as an Instructor and Technician.
“There is a very hands-on approach to learning, the College facilities provide students with a realistic environment to learn in with a wide range of vehicles available to work on.
The students here are great to teach, and we have recently had a new electric car facility installed with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.”
Did you know?
Jack
Previous school:
King Alfred's Academy
I'm a hands-on learner and when I saw that the college offered motor vehicle courses, it was the ideal fit. I had looked into apprenticeships too but I realised I needed some more training first.
Being here, it's a more grown up environment than secondary school, as a lot of the work is on your own shoulders which I like. The support is still there from my tutor and classmates if I need it.
When I finish Level 1, I'm thinking about moving onto Level 2 or having another go at finding an apprenticeship.
Demar
The course helps expand my mindset about owning my own workshop, which is the ultimate goal after finishing college.
We get to go on trips that educate you about the different types of careers you go in to, like working at BMW in Oxford, and this really helps to clarify what we're learning back at college.
There is more freedom and respect from our tutors, who give feedback which we can use going forward.
I chose the course because I know I’m interested in the motor vehicle industry and now I get to learn the subject practically.
Michael
Previous school:
Fitzharrys School
There are lots of challenges to the course to keep me interested and I find that I'm always learning something new each time I go back into the garage. Having all these cars to work on means I can develop skills in all areas and that will give me more career options in the future.
It's fun gaining skills in a subject I’m really interested in. There's a great vibe in the workshops - the tutors have lots of experience and we benefit from that.
Your future career
Accident Investigator
Emergency Services Vehicle Mechanic
Military Vehicle Engineer
Motorsport Technician
Roadside or Recovery Mechanic
Technical Sales Support
