Free Propane Autogas Technician Training Sessions Offered at 3 Locations in Spring 2016

WASHINGTON (March 22, 2016) – The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium 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. Sessions will be conducted by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium and will be held in Oklahoma City, Asheville, North Carolina, and Albany, Oregon.

“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,” said Tucker Perkins, chief business development officer at the Propane Education & Research Council, which 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 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,” said Stuart Flatow, PERC vice president of safety & 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 April 25 to 27; Blossman Autogas Fuel and Research Center in Asheville, North Carolina May 24 to 26; and June 14 to 16 at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon.

“The development of this training offered a unique opportunity for industry and education to exhibit a true partnership,” said 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. Registration and more details are available at

. 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

.