SEPATEC Hosts Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program Students

GRAHAM, NC — During June 5-6, the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) sent instructors Elena Bennett and James Bunsey and assembled over 10 students from various parts of the United States to receive training at the Southeast Propane Alliance Technical Education Center (SEPATEC) located in Graham, North Carolina. 

The facility, which spans over 10,000 square feet, is the only training center in the nation dedicated entirely to propane training and is equipped with state-of-the-art training aids and equipment. 

John Peña, SEPATEC’s director of education, expressed his excitement about hosting the training at SEPATEC. 

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host this training here at SEPATEC,” said Peña. “Our state-of-the-art facilities, including our classrooms, regulator lab, bulk plant facility and fully operational industrial equipment, create a perfect environment for training in all things propane, including autogas.” 

The purpose of this training is to help create more advocates for propane use, particularly in the automotive field. The course of instruction gives students an elevated, hands-on learning experience and more career opportunities after completion. 

This course has four lessons: Propane Fuel, Safety Considerations, Propane Vehicle Systems and Component Operation and Vehicle Inspections. The course objectives are: Understand propane autogas components, systems and operation; practice propane safety considerations; be able to use/locate info in NFPA 58 specific to on-road propane autogas systems; perform propane autogas inspections; present customers the inspection results following the RIM approach; and ability to document and follow the 3 C’s of vehicle repair. 

John Jessup, the president and CEO of Southeast Propane Alliance, stated, “SEPATEC is a one-of-a-kind training facility established by the members of the Southeast Propane Alliance. It provides top-notch training to individuals employed in the propane industry, utilizing the latest classroom technology, regulator labs, bulk plant facilities and fully operational industrial equipment. SEPATEC offers hands-on training to propane industry professionals in an exceptional manner.” 

For future training opportunities, more information may be found on the PERC website here.