Three sessions of the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium’s (NAFTC’s) new propane technician training course will be held in three states over the next few months.

The free, three-day course is designed to give automotive service technicians an in-depth look at servicing and maintaining propane-autogas-powered vehicles.

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

Course materials that are provided include a participant manual and a program certificate. Instruction will mix classroom work with practical exercises and hands-on shop activities, covering such topics as propane characteristics; bi-fuel, dual fuel, and dedicated fuel systems; vehicle compatibility and conversion; system components; and personnel and shop safety.

Here are the locations and dates of the upcoming offerings of the course:

• Oklahoma City (Okla.) Community College, April 25 to 27
• Blossman Autogas Fuel and Research Center, Asheville, North Carolina, May 24 to 26
• Linn-Benton Community College, Albany, Oregon, June 14 to 16

“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 www.propaneautogastraining.com.