The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is offering free, three-day training courses to provide service technicians an in-depth look at servicing and maintaining propane-autogas-powered vehicles.
The NAFTC launched the course to help fill a need for qualified technicians who can adapt, service and maintain the alternative fuel systems.
“Sales of commercial propane autogas vehicles increased last year even with low oil prices, and taking this course is a way for service technicians to stay ahead of the curve as the market continues to grow,” says Tucker Perkins, chief business development officer at the Propane Education & Research Council, which funded the development of the training in partnership with the NAFTC.
NAFTC says course materials provided include a participant manual and program certificate.
Instruction will mix classroom work with practical exercises and hands-on shop activities so technicians exit the course with an expansive knowledge of:
- Propane characteristics
- Bi-fuel, dual fuel, and dedicated fuel systems
- Vehicle compatibility and conversion
- System components
- Personnel and shop safety
“These free sessions will help us educate the next generation of technicians, who will need a foundational understanding of how to service the growing trend of alternative fuel vehicles,” says Stuart Flatow, PERC vice president of safety and training. “We’ll also be focused on explaining how and why the adoption of this new course into current automotive technology curriculums will benefit students, schools and their communities.”
The courses will be offered from April 25-27 at Oklahoma City Community College in Oklahoma City; from May 24-26 at Blossman Autogas Fuel and Research Center in Asheville, N.C.; and from June 14-16 at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Ore.
“The development of this training offered a unique opportunity for industry and education to exhibit a true partnership,” says Bill Davis, NAFTC director. “This course, which was prepared from extensive input from the propane industry, and especially the PERC safety and training committee, will give technicians the knowledge and skills needed to troubleshoot and repair all of the types of propane systems.”
There is no cost to participate, but space is limited.
NAFTC says registration and more details are available at www.propaneautogastraining.com. Training is only available to professional automotive technicians with experience in fuel and electrical systems, and driveability who want to enhance their skills. The NAFTC also offers an introductory workshop on propane vehicles, with information available at naftc.wvu.edu.
