Applications open for grant program equipping students with propane autogas skills

As fleets continue to shift away from diesel and toward alternative energy sources, a new generation of automotive service technicians is needed to maintain fuel vehicles like those running on propane autogas.

The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program, offered by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), is providing schools across the country with training and resources to prepare students to work on propane autogas buses, trucks, vans and more.

The grant program provides U.S. educational institutions with up to $7,500 in funding to integrate propane-specific curriculum and equipment into their existing automotive training programs. The goal is to provide students with experience maintaining and servicing vehicles powered by propane autogas, according to PERC. These skills are increasingly in demand as more fleets turn to propane autogas to reduce emissions and costs while maintaining operational efficiency.

“The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program gives students an opportunity to learn these technologies in-depth, preparing them for successful careers after graduation, supporting fleets that are increasingly turning to propane autogas,” says Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “This program also supports fleet owners by building a pipeline of talented and qualified technicians who can keep propane autogas trucks, vans and buses on the road for years to come.”

Now in its second year, PERC reports that the grant program has already supported 24 schools in 16 states, training hundreds of students to inspect, service and maintain propane autogas engine systems. Each participating school receives propane-specific curricula, as well as funding to purchase propane autogas training equipment and to send an instructor to a “train the trainer” course. Eligible institutions must already offer an automotive program.

According to PERC, more than 60,000 propane autogas vehicles are in operation across the United States, providing service to transit agencies, delivery companies, emergency response fleets, utility crews and more. Propane autogas is not only reliable but also clean, producing up to 96 percent fewer nitrogen oxide emissions than diesel. It offers lower fuel and maintenance costs, supports air quality and contributes to engine uptime.

“Enhanced curricula made possible by the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program have given both students and schools a leg up,” Stutheit says. “Schools are able to expand their course offerings without increasing costs to students, while students gain new, valuable skill sets that position them for long-term success in a rapidly changing transportation industry.”

The application window is open through Dec. 19. Find out more about the grant program and apply here.

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