Courses

Eastbourne

Vehicle Body Repair (Refinishing) Level 2 Certificate

Level 2

Course Code: 60120

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Eastbourne

Vehicle Maintenance Repair Level 2 Certificate

Level 2

Course Code: 60121

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Eastbourne

Vehicle Maintenance Repair Level 2 Diploma

Level 2

Course Code: 60124

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Hastings

Vehicle Maintenance Level 1 Certificate

Level 1

Course Code: 61657

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Hastings

Light Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Level 3 Diploma

Level 3

Course Code: 13233

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Hastings

Light Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Level 2 Certificate

Level 2

Course Code: 14942

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Eastbourne

Preparation for Motor Vehicle Industry

Level 1

Course Code: 60122

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Eastbourne

Engineering (Design and Development: Mechanical Engineering) T Level

Level 3

Course Code: 60832y1

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Hastings

Engineering (Design and Development: Mechanical Engineering) T Level

Level 3

Course Code: 30584y1

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Eastbourne

Performing Engineering Operations Level 2 NVQ Diploma

Level 2

Course Code: 60118

Type: 16 +
Qualification: BTEC
Academic Year: 25/26

Hastings

Electrical Installations Level 2 Technical Certificate

Level 2

Course Code: 14924

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Hastings

Engineering Level 2 Diploma

Level 2

Course Code: 60156

Type: 16 +
Academic Year: 25/26

Hastings

Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship Standard

Course Code: st0210

Type: Apprenticeships
Academic Year: 24/25

Pages

Courses

Motor Vehicle

News

Motor Vehicle lecturer takes part in charity walk

He then arrived in Winchester 20 hours later, following a 50-mile trek! The route taken saw Mark and others approximately 6000ft of elevation and they did much of the walk through the night.

News

Motor Vehicle student takes to Arlington racetrack

He adds, “I’ve painted the car myself, built it myself, the roll cage and harness for example. I’ve been doing it for a few years now so I know what I’m doing! Mick (Poil, Motor Vehicle Body Repair and Paint lecturer) helped me paint it too, I’ll give him some credit!"

News

Motor Vehicle Student Wins "Most Employable Student" Award

Together, they developed the “Most Employable Student” award to recognise students who demonstrate all the qualities employers look for – practical skills, a positive attitude, and strong professional ethics.

News

Motor Vehicle Student Wins BMW Challenge in WEX Week

Mark Streeter, Deputy Head of Curriculum at East Sussex College, said, “Faith did a fantastic job, and we’re incredibly proud of her. This project was a great opportunity for students to engage with real-world industry trends and develop their research and presentation skills.”

News

Motor Vehicle Students Celebrate a Year of Success at Presentation Ceremony

A number of students were also nominated by staff for the title of Student of the Year, including Kevin Phillip, Harrison Rolfe, Thomas Stepney, Faith Green, and Bobby Smith - all recognised for their commitment, progress and attitude throughout the course.

News

Motor Vehicle Students Gain Industry Insights at Birchwood Ford

This visit is one of many ways East Sussex College connects students to the industry, providing real-world learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers.

Courses

Engineering and Motor Vehicle

News

ESC Hosts Successful Custom Car Show Fundraising for St Wilfrid's Hospice

“We raised around £500 for the incredible St Wilfred’s Hospice on the day. We can't wait to do it again next year...bigger and even better!"

News

Bishops Lane Garage donates a car to Motor Vehicle students at East Sussex College Eastbourne

Rob became self-employed in 2015, taking over the established Bishop’s Lane Garage in Ringmer. “The dedicated mechanic there was looking to retire but he’s now chosen to stay working with me part-time!” says Rob. “It has been a real goal of mine to ensure the trade is represented positively and to offer the public a skilled and honest service.”

News

College launches new qualifications in motor vehicle

“There are around 300 body shops who would benefit from using us as we are within easy reach, offering advantageous cost savings. Other sites will often require candidates to travel and pay for accommodation.”

News

East Sussex College Hosts Custom Car Show

"We are thrilled to host the Cars and Motorcycles Breakfast Morning here at East Sussex College," said Dan Bird, Motor Vehicle lecturer and organiser of the show. "This event is a celebration of our shared passion for all things automotive, and we can't wait to welcome enthusiasts from across the region to join us for a day of fun, food, and fine rides - all in aid of raising money for St Wilfrid’s Hospice."

News

May the force be with you: Motor Vehicle students to unveil pimped up three-wheeler for charity

“The end result will astound everyone – the little 850cc car has been turned into Darth Vader. It’s a sight to behold. Part of this project’s challenge was to also allow the car to be easily adapted to a new creative theme every day of the rally, with themes including ‘Underground’, ‘Superheroes’ and ‘Back From the Dead’. The students really enjoyed working on this. It’s not often you get the chance to work so creatively on a 33-year-old car.”

News

TV Show Bangers & Cash Films with Motor Vehicle Students

Students not only had the chance to appear on camera but also gained invaluable insight into the television production process and the classic car industry. The project highlighted the high level of skill and passion within the college’s Motor Vehicle department and offered students a platform to demonstrate their learning to a national audience.

News

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service team visit Motor Vehicle students

Leading the demonstration was Kevin Hart, who represents ESFRS and the UK in extrication competitions worldwide. The ESFRS team explained to students the challenges created by modern vehicles, with the event serving as a road safety awareness class as well as a mechanical one.

Apprenticeships

Engineering and Manufacturing

Vehicle Damage Panel Technician

Courses

Engineering

News

Project Dalek

Motor Vehicle lecturer, Michael Poil, has come up with an ingenious marketing tool to showcase the many skills students can learn here at Sussex Downs College – he built a Dalek.

News

Students helping to get three-wheeler ready for Pavestone Rally

Motor Vehicle students at East Sussex College Hastings have been given the opportunity to repair and modify a 1986 Robin Reliant before it takes part in the 2019 Pavestone Rally.

News

Students in RTC demonstration

Motor Vehicle student, Kessia Lynn, 30, played the role of a paramedic in the re-enactment, sitting in the vehicle as the ESFRS team removed the roof. “This was a really interesting experience,” Kessia comments. “They stabilised the car, which we were then asked to try and move. It was impossible! When they were cutting their way in, all we felt were the vibrations; it was so stable!”

News

The Next Apprentice

Motor Vehicle students from the Eastbourne campus of East Sussex College had the chance of a lifetime last week (Friday 20 January) as Yeomans gave a talk to students about Apprenticeship opportunities with the brand.

News

Driving Force: Apprenticeships

A Motor Vehicle employer industry event took place at East Sussex College this week (25th April) to give students an insight - and a headstart - into the trade.

News

Students invited to Audi workshop

The Motor Vehicle department has formed close links with Audi’s Eastbourne dealership over the last few years, and this provided students with an opportunity to work with their technicians in a busy workshop.

News

Andrew Coley

I loved motor sport and used to watch it a lot as a kid. My dad loved F1 and Rally, and we went to watch a few of the RAC rally events. Then I decided that I wanted to compete, so my parents bought me a day at a rally school for my 19th birthday and I went on to compete right up to national level. However, money is a big part of Motorsport, so when I ran out of money I moved into teaching Motorsport and spent 10 years working as a Motorsport instructor before moving into television.

News

From Junk to Electric Dream

A talented Motor Vehicle student from East Sussex College Eastbourne, showcases a working e-bike built from old bike parts and an e-scooter.

News

Students in crash scene simulation

Mark Streeter, Motor Vehicle tutor, said, “This experience gave students an insight into how modern cars are made and the obstacles faced by the rescue services when they attend a crash scene. Car makes, models and their year of manufacture can make all the difference. This demo has been invaluable.”

News

Hastings ATC purchase high-tech equipment

Bruce Addison, from Vehicle Technology Systems (VTS) and John Roberts, from Texa delivered a full demonstration of the equipment to staff and students as part of curriculum enrichment.

News

New Bike Club Rolls Out at East Sussex College

East Sussex College’s Motor Vehicle team have launched a brand-new Bike Club – and it's already getting students and staff talking.

News

5 of the best... FREE things to do this summer

‘Bumblebee’ - aka - the yellow car from Transformers on Saturday 10th August

News

Automotive Training Centre Award Ceremony Celebrates Student Achievements

Level 1 Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance: Aaron Davies

News

College Apprentice Excels in Business Industry

Californian Classics is a motor vehicle dealer in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex and is where Jake is developing and already thriving in his desired industry.

News

Automotive Training Centre Award Ceremony Celebrates Student Achievements with Incredible Prizes

Max Laws – Foundation Pathway in Motor Vehicle Top Student

News

Automotive Training Centre Hosts Inspiring Employer Event

Nicholas Wood, Deputy Head of Motor Vehicle at East Sussex College, highlighted the significance of the event: "This event proved to be valuable for the whole of the ATC Team and Andy Davy from our Board of Governors, opening our eyes to the future of the automotive industry and how we must adapt. We’re proud to remain at the forefront of what is now one of the most advanced industry sectors."

News

From College to the Racetrack

“Well, my dad has had motorbikes since I was young, so I have grown up around them. I got asked one day if I was going to get my bike license one day and then before you know it, I had! Even my parents didn’t know how serious it was going to get, it was something that had crossed my mind a lot; so, I just woke up one day and went for it.”

News

Return to College

The Eastbourne campus welcomed back Motor Vehicle apprentices, Catering & Hospitality, Foundation Learning, and Brickwork students from 22nd June. Jo Folwell, Assistant Principal, describes the mood on campus: “It feels really positive! Students and staff are smiling and happy to see each other again! It’s also really quiet and peaceful.”

News

Student Wins Halfords Apprentice of the Year!

Jess, who studies in the Motor Vehicle department at the college, has been competing against more than 200 Halfords apprentices from all over the UK, aiming for recognition from some of the biggest names in the automotive industry - and now she’s done it.

News

Student Qualifies for National Final of Halfords Apprentice of the Year

Jess, who is currently studying in the Motor Vehicle department, has been competing alongside over 200 Halfords apprentices nationwide for a chance to earn the prestigious title and gain recognition from some of the biggest names in the automotive industry.

News

From East Sussex College to Automotive Journalism: Joe Miller

Now a journalist for Classics World and Classic Car Buyer, Joe shares his journey and the role the College played in shaping his professional life.

News

Skills Led Recovery

Students on practical courses such as construction, engineering, motor vehicle and hair and beauty have been hit hardest, because it is most difficult to replace practical teaching through online delivery. English, maths and ESOL have seen varied engagement levels online, especially for lower-level students and those with special educational needs. Nearly three quarters (71%) of colleges are providing additional tuition over and above the tuition fund with many teaching over the Easter holidays to make up for lost learning.

News

Halfords Hosts Apprenticeship Recruitment Day at East Sussex College

The visit gave candidates insight into a Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician apprenticeship.

News

College Hosts Successful Halfords Assessment Day

All participating students are poised to progress onto the Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship, which includes day-release training from our Eastbourne campus. The College also offers the Level 2 Autocare Technician Apprenticeship, ensuring a comprehensive pathway for students aspiring to excel in the automotive industry.

News

Come and teach at East Sussex College

We are looking for teachers/professional in Maths, BTEC Science, Childcare, Motor Vehicle, Carpentry, Engineering and Health & Social Care

News

Eastbourne Youth Radio Roundup

The panel included; Joe Miller - Kelsey Media’s Head of Video for motoring titles and Staff Writer on Classic Car Buyer, Rik Scott - freelance Radio Production and Voiceover Artist, Dan Gasser - Radio X DJ/Presenter, and India Wentworth - Eastbourne Herald journalist.

News

Team Chandlers and Cembrit Triumph in Rally

The family-owned builders merchants bought the 1986 classic three-wheeled car on eBay for £200. It was then handed over to the College’s Automotive Training Centre in Hastings, where 43 students worked on rebuilding the engine and overhauled the bodywork.

News

Esports Students Compete in Williams F1 Student Racing League

Robert, racing in his first LAN event, faced some challenges with the car setup and fatigue but still finished a respectable 13th.

News

Student Response

Natalie Brodrick, a Paramedic in Hastings, was off duty with her two sons in the car when she stopped to help at a road accident between Rye and Peasmarsh on Sunday 12th July at around 5pm. While attending the accident scene, one of Natalie’s sons trapped his head in the rear electric car window.

Business

Business

Automotive Crash Repair Centre

We have highly skilled and trained bodyshop teaching staff have over 100 years’ combined experience within the motor industry

News

Eastbourne Youth Radio returns for 21st edition

Students will face a panel of media professionals including, Joe Miller - Kelsey Media’s Head of Video for motoring titles and Staff Writer on Classic Car Buyer, and Rik Scott - freelance Radio Production and Voiceover Artist.

News

College Carbon Zero Project

Furthermore, the College is developing an exciting range of courses to begin training the next generation of green construction, engineering and electric vehicle technicians. Watch this space!

News

Out of this world

The East Sussex College (formerly Sussex Downs College) Dalek project is taking shape, thanks to input from students and local businesses. The Project, devised by Motor Vehicle teacher, Mick Poil, at the College, has been a labour of love for all involved. Wyntercon 5 (www.wyntercon.org), the South Coast’s largest community sci-fi event, returns to Eastbourne, this weekend (22nd-23rd September). Wyntercon co-founder Andy Kybett visited the College to see the progress the Dalek project has made.

News

Students flock to see what college has to offer

At the Station Plaza campus in Hastings, visitors arrived on the scene of a road traffic collision which brought together elements from the Make-up Artistry, Motor Vehicle, and Public Service courses, they were put through their paces during a range of fitness testing, and they were able to understand the importance of having a balanced and healthy diet in the college kitchens.

News

Krys Shiels: Away from the frontline

Krys’ second fundraising initiative is for transportation. “My brother has said there aren't enough vehicles to support the wounded,” Krys continues. “I’m trying to fundraise for a vehicle like a minivan which can transport the wounded away from the bombings and the shellings to relative safety where they can then recieve medical support.” It is this fundraising that is proving challenging, as it’s a huge amount of money to raise. Krys, however, remains optimistic.

News

A Creative Journey on the Designer Maker Course

When Emma-Jayne first started the Designer Maker course at East Sussex College, she wasn’t sure if she could do it. On her first day, she sat in her car, too nervous to go inside. “I felt really stressed,” said Emma-Jayne. “I didn’t know if I could go in, especially as a mature student. I thought, ‘What am I doing here?’ I told myself, ‘Just go in and see what happens. If you don’t like it, you can always leave.’”

News

Food for thought

“We are a small charity based out of Hastings. New laws mean that people with a roof over their heads in temporary accommodation, such as sofa surfing, or even a car or a tent, are now established as homeless.

News

Best movies to watch on Netflix right now

An incredible movie following the life of one of Britain’s greatest ever scientists. Eddie Redmayne plays the late physicist Stephen Hawking, as he grows in the world of physics but struggles with ALS, a form of Motor Neurone Disease, forcing increasing dependence on his devoted wife, Jane.

News

East Sussex College CEO joins over 200 college leaders to ask for review of post-18 education

“[The Post-18 Review] understands that employers and communities need more high quality technical and professional education and training, industry-standard facilities, expert staff and the unique curriculum that colleges already provide. It sees colleges as the key vehicle for the flexible, local delivery of national strategies, supporting industrial policy, productivity, skills development and genuine social equity. It clearly acknowledges that all this requires real investment.”

News

Top 5 ways to increase your well-being

This great app has over 15 million users, from Olympic athletes, top executives, and celebrities (Ryan Reynolds and Gwyneth Paltrow are fans!). The creators have just released some free content and are offering a free two-week trial (but auto-renews to the annual paid subscription if you don’t cancel). Their ‘weathering the storm’ collection includes meditation techniques and exercise suggestions. Available on the app (both iPhone and Andriod) and on the website.

News

Students Plant Trees for a Greener Future

The group contributed by planting a variety of orchard trees, creating a hands-on learning experience. This activity provided students with the chance to develop a range of practical skills, such as digging, planting, and securing trees, which supported their fine and gross motor skills.

News

Daleks, Death Eaters and Demos

As part of the East Sussex College creative showcase, the Dalek took centre stage, creating ample photo opportunities with visitors at the popular comic convention. The Dalek has been three years in the making and is a stunning replica of the ones used in BBC’s Doctor Who. Created by Motor Vehicle, Carpentry, and Engineering students and staff, this project has been college-wide.

News

Joanne Wilkinson

I live in Lindfield, near Haywards Heath, and it takes me about an hour to get to uni, but I love it. It is well worth the travel. I’m there two days a week from 9am until about 4:30pm. I fill up my coffee cup each morning, jump in the car and drive to Eastbourne. I don’t get much time to myself as a mum, so I really enjoy the social side of class.

News

Student Entrepreneur Relaunches UK’s First College-Based Vegan Festival

Veganism has seen rapid growth in the last year, with many citing that access to food and products has drastically improved, along with more affordable options. Equally a vegan lifestyle has been suggested, in research by CompareTheMarket.com, to have a greater positive impact on our environment, more so than not driving a car.

News

Reducing our carbon emissions for cleaner air

“This is such an incredibly important project and one that we are proud to be a part of. Our college ethos is built on taking action and standing up for what you believe in, and climate change is something that needs to be addressed. By supporting this project, and others such as Clean Air Day and Car Free Day, we are taking action and doing something positive to help protect the planet.”

News

Training for the Future

For the competition, Design, Surveying & Planning T-Level students worked on a real client brief. Once completed, the venue will train future cohorts in green technologies, which makes up part of the College’s work in decarbonisation. The decarbonisation project sees the College collaborating with OHM energy, a Sussex company specialising in renewable energy. Future training at the new hub will cover multiple renewable energy initiatives, including heat pumps, solar energy, electric vehicle charging points and retrofitting older properties. This exciting new initiative will ensure the future workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills in cutting-edge green technologies.

News

East Sussex College Home to Wyntercon VI

The sci-fi and cult horror genres have a loyal fan following, with cosplay increasing popular at events worldwide. There’s an undeniable appeal of stepping away from reality to indulge in a fantasy world complete with superheroes and villains. And with returning cult favourites like Doctor Who being introduced to a new generation of viewers, there has never been a better time than to witness the ‘East Sussex College Dalek Project, a current work in progress by the Motor Vehicle team and various courses and companies within the community.

News

East Sussex College provides the soundtrack to the South of England Show 2019

Nikki Cyslin/Makeda Moore: ESC Alumni

News

Heartwarming moments from the last few weeks

Perhaps the most heartwarming lockdown story of them all is Captain Tom Moore who raised over £30million (and still rising!) for the NHS. We’ve also been behind our own fundraising efforts for local NHS trusts and good causes. The Sport and Public Service team in Hastings started #ESC1900, aiming to raise money and encourage people to stay fit while in lockdown. Other tutors have been fundraising and taking part in marathons at home to support charities close to their hearts.

News

Construction students hear about the importance of workplace behaviours and health and safety

Morgan Sindall is a leading UK construction and regeneration group of nine companies. Project Manager, Nick Beaumont, and Senior Site Manager, Pat Moore, attended the College to provide students with an expert insight into the industry.

News

East Sussex College student with sight loss condition to make two aerial drops for eye research charity

Fight for Sight is currently funding Dr Mouhamed Al-Aqaba and his team of researchers at Nottingham University who are using biological ‘markers’ to investigate the underlying nerve structures in keratoconus. Fight for Sight also recently contributed to research at Guys Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital to understand more about the effectiveness of a new treatment for keratoconus called corneal cross-linking.

News

My new normal - Life in lockdown as a student

"To be perfectly honest, I'm worried about the effect all this is going to have. I'm pretty much notorious for being able to spend ridiculous lengths of time by myself at home, watching as many movies as I can and not making a single effort to be ready for the day whilst doing so. However, something I heavily rely on is at some point seeing my friends and letting them pull me out of my slumps. I can see this being really tough… I do think, though, that I'll end up being really productive during all of this! The college workload should be easy enough to stay on top of, and this will be an opportunity to get creative in some other ways too - maybe I'll come out the other side of this a totally new person; all creative and with a new hobby or two."