The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is offering a free, three-day training course designed to give automotive 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 and Research Council (PERC). PERC funded the development of the training in partnership with the NAFTC.
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 will exit the course with an expansive knowledge of the following:
- Propane characteristics;
- Bi-fuel, dual fuel and dedicated fuel systems;
- Vehicle compatibility and conversion;
- System components; and
- 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.”
Training is offered at Oklahoma City Community College from April 25 to April 27; the Blossman Autogas Fuel and Research Center in Asheville, N.C., from May 24 to May 26; and Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Ore., from June 14 to June 16.
There is no cost to participate, but space is limited. Registration and more details are available at 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.
