PERC updates Gas Check program, CETP approach

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has made several changes to its Gas Check program and Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) courses.

Stuart Flatow, PERC’s vice president of safety and training, says propane retailers recommended a simpler version of the Gas Check program to make it easier for technicians to complete. Flatow says PERC created a video on how to properly complete all Gas Check forms. The updated program also reduces the number of forms retailers need to complete from three to two.

“We wanted to provide more flexible guidelines, as it’s a voluntary program,” Flatow says.

He adds that the Gas Check program information can be purchased or downloaded at PERC’s Propane Marketer Resource Catalog.

In addition, PERC wants to introduce a blended learning option to CETP courses, requiring class attendees to review the material in an online course before attending an in-person session.

“Teaching adults can be difficult,” Flatow says. “We want to find different approaches to train people in CETP.”

The Colorado Propane Gas Association tested the blended learning option with PERC recently where members took the course online and then in person. Flatow says students in the pilot course had a 100 percent pass rate.

“The Colorado Propane Gas Association hopes to use this model again,” Flatow says. “Other states are also looking into this educational model, as it’s a new approach to get people trained before they even come to the class.”