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 LPG-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 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 (PERC), which funded the development of the training in partnership with the NAFTC.

“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 will 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.”

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; and personnel and shop safety.

“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.”