HIGH POINT, N.C. — School bus manufacturer Thomas Built Buses has released details on this year’s curriculum for school bus technician training available through the Thomas Built Institute.

“We know how tough it is to keep up with ever-changing technology, EPA standards and safety regulations,” said Mike Stotler, service education manager for Thomas Built Buses. “The annual Thomas Built Institute has become a very popular opportunity for school bus technicians to get hands-on training and a factory-certified curriculum in small classes, all in less than a week’s time.”

Topics covered in the 2013 institute curriculum include emissions systems, advanced electrical, coolant, maintenance and cost savings, and utilizing websites, resources and wire diagrams. A choice of the following tracks is available: Type C — multiplex, service link and troubleshooting — or Type D — electrical and fan drive.

Factory tours are also part of the curriculum. Participating technicians select the track they want and receive 28 credit hours of continuing education.

"It’s the best training I've been to in 26 years," said Duane Chapman, transportation coordinator at Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 in Tecumseh, Kan. “Thomas Built Buses’ hands-on training helped me learn faster ways to keep the buses running smoothly.”

The 2013 Thomas Built Institute will be held May 7-10 in Greensboro, N.C. A second session will be held in conjunction with the STN Expo in Reno, Nev., July 23-26.

To register, go here. Officials said early enrollment is recommended, as registration is limited to 100 participants to ensure small classes and personal attention.

The cost is $325, and it includes lunch and ground transportation.

Other recent news related to Thomas Built Buses:

• Thomas Built produces 50,000th Saf-T-Liner C2

• Thomas Built to develop CNG-fueled Type C