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Motor vehicle engineering

Motor Vehicle Engineering at Plumpton College

The automotive industry is changing fast, with new vehicle technology, diagnostics and repair methods shaping the future of the sector. At Plumpton College, our Motor Vehicle Engineering courses help students build the practical skills, technical knowledge and confidence needed to progress into employment, apprenticeships or further training in the automotive industry. 

Train for a career in the automotive industry

If you are interested in light vehicle maintenance and repair, enjoy hands-on learning, and want to develop industry-relevant skills in a professional workshop environment, Motor Vehicle Engineering at Plumpton could be the right choice for you.

Campus Life at Plumpton College

Our excellent residential facilities accommodate up to 203 students in modern comfortable rooms. Rated by Ofsted as ‘Outstanding’ across all areas, you’ll find them a fantastic place to stay.

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The Motor Vehicle Engineering Sector

The automotive and motor vehicle engineering sector offers strong career potential for students with practical, technical skills. In the UK, the industry contributes £37 billion to the economy through more than 100,000 businesses and organisations. The motor trades sector had around 17,000 open positions in April 2025, showing continued demand for trained people entering the workforce. The wider automotive sector is also a major employer, with more than 150,000 jobs in manufacturing alone.

Studying Motor Vehicle helps students build the hands-on skills employers need in this fast-changing industry, from servicing, inspection and repair to diagnostics, safe workshop practice and working with modern vehicle technologies.

Sources: Institute of the Motor Industry, House of Commons Library

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Browse our Motor Vehicle Courses

Get hands-on experience and develop practical skills for a career in the motor vehicle industry. Explore our courses and find the right route for you.

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Why Motor Vehicle Engineering at Plumpton College?

Discover inspiring courses, supportive tutors, and real opportunities that prepare you for university, employment, and beyond.

  • Train in Modern Motor Vehicle Workshops
    Learn in modern, fully equipped motor vehicle workshops designed to support hands-on learning in light vehicle maintenance and repair, with the tools and space to build confidence in a professional setting.
  • Gain Hands-On Experience on a Range of Vehicles
    Develop real workshop skills by working on a range of vehicles, helping you build experience in vehicle inspection, servicing, maintenance and repair as part of your Motor Vehicle course.
  • Learn with Industry-Standard Equipment
    Use the latest equipment to support your studies in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, helping you develop the practical and technical skills employers look for in the automotive sector.
  • Train in Specialist Motor Vehicle Facilities
    Learn in modern, fully equipped motor vehicle workshops at Plumpton College, with two ramps per workshop, the latest equipment for the Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair syllabus, a range of vehicles to work on, and a fully equipped welding shop.
  • Stunning countryside
    Learn with the South Downs on your doorstep, so you enjoy views and fresh air daily.
  • Build Industry Connections Through Employer Links and Work Experience
    At Plumpton College, Motor Vehicle students benefit from strong industry links and valuable work experience opportunities, helping you develop the practical skills, workplace knowledge and employer insight needed to progress into the automotive industry.

Our Personal Development Programme supports students

We ensure students have the knowledge needed surrounding personal finance, health, wellbeing and careers. Furthermore, we seek to develop their skills in being able to put that knowledge into practice in their daily and future lives. We aspire to develop their attitudes and values so that they have opinions about key aspects of society and know how to appropriately share their own and also challenge other people’s opinions.