Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training Receives National Excellence in Training Award

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium a program of West Virginia University, spent much of 2016 traveling the United States training automotive technicians to repair and maintain propane autogas vehicles utilizing its

curriculum. Now this curriculum and training program has been recognized by the automotive training industry for its outstanding quality. The Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training is a three-day course which focuses on servicing and maintaining propane autogas vehicles safely.

The NAFTC recently earned its 5th National Excellence in Training Award from the Automotive Training Manager’s Council for the Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training. The NAFTC developed the Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training through funding from the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) to educate, train and prepare pre- and in-service automotive technicians on the rapidly expanding field of propane vehicle diagnostics and repair.

“Many fleets are turning to propane autogas vehicles to lower operating costs and improve local air quality. The NAFTC and PERC were able to develop a partnership and create a course that will benefit automotive technicians across the country who work on these vehicles. Having so many propane autogas industry personnel work with the NAFTC provided the technical support to make this happen,” said NAFTC Director Bill Davis.

PERC President and Chief Executive Officer Roy Willis commented, “PERC and the NAFTC developed a great partnership to create and present propane autogas training for technicians, and to continue to increase the use of propane autogas. Congratulations to both the NAFTC and PERC teams for their contributions to this important program. This award is a wonderful recognition of the importance and quality of this program,” Willis continued.

The NAFTC will receive its award in a formal presentation at the ATMC’s annual reception during the AAPEX and SEMA shows in Las Vegas on Nov. 2, 2016. The NAFTC’s four previous National Excellence in Training Awards were received in 2007, for its Overview of Biodiesel course; in 2012 for its Electric Drive Vehicle First Responder Safety Training suite of products; in 2013 for its Petroleum Reduction Technologies curriculum and supporting materials; and in 2014 for its Electric Drive Vehicle Automotive Technician Training.

The ATMC is an organization founded by automotive training professionals to promote the advancement of training and professional development within the automotive service industry. Davis added, “The receipt of the ATMC National Excellence in Training Award for so many of our products, shows that the NAFTC produces training materials of the highest quality. I am proud to work with a dedicated staff, who are committed to creating work that leads to cleaner air and energy independence, and who know that together we do make a difference.”

The ATMC National Excellence in Training award-winning Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training includes hands-on, real-world activities to familiarize participants with propane autogas components. The trainings have grown so much in popularity that sessions quickly fill up, including a 3-day training session that begins tomorrow, Oct. 18-20, 2016, at Lawson State Community College-Alabama Center for Automotive Excellence, Bessemer, Alabama.

About NAFTC

The NAFTC was founded in 1992 and manages education and outreach programs and activities, develops curricula, and conducts training on subject matter related to alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. The NAFTC works with universities, community colleges and high schools around the country to develop training programs for dissemination at the local level. The organization consists of approximately 50 National and Associate Training Centers that utilize its curricula and training materials. Numerous other members from small business, government, and industry also support the NAFTC’s mission.

About PERC

The Propane Education & Research Council is a check-off program established, operated, and funded by the propane industry. The only energy council of its kind, PERC educates consumers about propane’s many uses and benefits, leads safety and training efforts among propane retailers and consumers, and drives technology development to expand adoption of propane as a clean, affordable, American-made energy source. PERC programs benefit a variety of industries including fleet vehicle management, landscaping, residential and commercial building, agriculture, and material handling.