PORT ANGELES — A new certification will have the Peninsula College automotive program nurturing greener pastures.
The program is one of three schools in the state certified to train instructors in alternative fuel, said instructor Mike Hansen.
The first consortium is tentatively scheduled for March, after classes are held in February classes in Las Vegas.
First-responder
“We will be able to offer first-responder training,” said Hansen, noting, “Many of the first-responder vehicles are using alternative fuel, and we can train on those.”
The National Training Center for the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium, headquartered at West Virginia University, has only 40 member institutions in the nation.
“We’re very pleased to have become a member of this elite training consortium,” said Thomas Keegan, Peninsula College president.
“One of Peninsula College’s strategic priorities is to promote sound environmental stewardship through the teaching and learning process and institutional practices.
‘Up-to-the-minute’
“The ability to provide our students with up-to-the-minute training in alternative fuel vehicles means we are able to meet one of our strategic priorities while providing our students with the most current instruction available.”
After “training the trainers,” as Hansen put it, Peninsula College will be able to offer more instruction to students.
“We are hoping to establish a one-year, 45-credit course to start in the fall of 2012 that will offer a certificate,” he said.
“That would really give them an opportunity over students from any other school.
“It will give them a leg up if they already know how to do the work on alternative fuel vehicles.
“They will be more employable, and it really fits in with the sustainability plan of the college, too.”
As a National Training Center, the school made the commitment to serve as a catalyst in the progression of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles by forming partnerships with local entities, such as utilities, fleet managers, high schools and any other private or public organization that would benefit from learning about alternative fuel vehicles.
“Alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, such as those powered by biodiesel, ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen, propane, fuel cell and hybrid electric systems, are a means for improving air quality and breaking America’s addiction to foreign oil,” said NAFTC Executive Director Al Ebron in a prepared statement.
“NAFTC National Training Centers help promote the adoption of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles through a variety of automotive training programs for technicians, fleet managers, public safety and first-responder organizations, and the public.”
For more information about the program or to find out about a speaker on the subject, phone Hansen at 360-417-6540.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladaily news.com.
