Course Overview
A friendly, practical seven-week course designed specifically for women who would like to become more confident understanding and looking after their car.
Delivered in our Bridgwater College automotive workshop environment, the course introduces learners to the essential checks and basic maintenance tasks that every driver can benefit from knowing. Sessions will be delivered by our female technical staff and provide a relaxed, supportive and hands on experience , with no previous automotive knowledge or experience required.
The course is designed to remove some of the mystery surrounding vehicle maintenance and provide learners with the confidence to carry out basic checks, recognise when something may be wrong and how to repair it, communicate more confidently with garages and understand when professional assistance is required.
Above all, the programme aims to create a welcoming female-focused environment where learners feel comfortable asking questions, trying new skills and building their confidence around vehicles and automotive technology.
Topics may include:
- Know Your Car – Identify key components, dashboard warning lights and basic vehicle controls.
- Essential Vehicle Checks – Learn how to check oil, coolant, screen wash, lights, wipers and general vehicle condition.
- Tyres & Wheels – Check tyre pressures, tread and condition, and practise safely changing a wheel.
- Batteries & Breakdowns – Understand basic battery checks, common starting problems and what to do during a breakdown.
- Maintenance & Servicing – Explore brakes, basic servicing, MOT requirements and how to communicate confidently with garages.
- Practical Car Confidence – Put everything into practice through hands-on vehicle checks and workshop challenges designed to build confidence, independence and empowerment.
Assessment Methods
There is no formal assessment for this course, however, there will be frequent class discussions and knowledge checks as you progess. The intent is to empower you through practical skills building.
Progression Options
You could progress to our seven-week intermediate focused course.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
