Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program

To help create more advocates for propane use, particularly in the automotive field, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is introducing a new grant program for educational facilities in the United States based on the curriculum, Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection: Introduction for Automobile Service Technicians.

Give your students an elevated, hands-on learning experience, and more career opportunities after graduation, with a propane-specific curriculum and the chance to outfit your classroom lab with propane related equipment through PERC’s Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program.

By placing propane-based curriculum in schools with trained instructors and ensuring relevant content is available via PERC’s online classroom, The Learning Center, learners in all stages of their career can find the propane education to fit their needs.

Approved grant recipients will receive $7,500 worth of grant funds, which includes being shipped a propane autogas specific training board that is a $5,000 value to outfit your training facility. The remaining funds will be sent to your school to go towards sending your class instructor to attend a summertime Train the Trainer class on the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection: Introduction for Automobile Service Technicians curriculum, and for use in marketing the new incorporation of the curriculum into your school to prospective students.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for selection into the program, you must meet the following criteria:

You are a representative from an educational institution or career center (tech schools, community colleges, etc.) in the United States of America, are at least 18 years of age, are already teaching an automotive class, and are willing and able to expand your class curriculum to include propane-specific material and hands on resources.

There is a limit of one grant awarded per school.

Participant Commitment

Scope of Work

• Complete a contract and W9. Applicants will receive 1099s
• Attend a mandatory Train the Trainer training class on the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection: Introduction for Automobile Service Technicians curriculum, hosted by PERC, date TBD.
• Identify/Appoint a “Propane Advisor” who:
  • Is an automotive technical expert – someone from a local service center that services propane autogas vehicles or who understands autogas and engine technology – or a propane industry member who has a relationship with an automotive technical expert. You can have multiple people work in a co-advisor partnership. View our map of service centers currently working on propane fleets to help locate a possible Propane Advisor.
  • Will be available to advise the instructor when propane specific questions arise.
  • Will speak to the class at least twice during the instruction period about propane’s role in their community, propane careers, propane’s environmental impact, etc.
• Incorporate Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection: Introduction for Automobile Service Technicians into your curriculum.
  • Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Training: Introduction for Automobile Service Technicians is an introductory course for automobile service technicians looking to understand propane Autogas components, systems, and operations. There are four lessons in this course: Propane Fuel, Safety Considerations, Propane Vehicle Systems and Component Operation, and Vehicle Inspections.
    • This course does not include information regarding filling containers or evacuation or purging of new containers. If you are already working on propane Autogas Engines and need specific training on the engine type that you work with, reach out to your OEM contact.
    • Objectives:
      • Understand propane Autogas components, systems and operation
      • Practice Propane Safety Considerations
      • Be able to use/locate info in NFPA 58 specific to on road propane Autogas systems
      • Perform Propane Autogas inspections
      • Present customers the inspection results following the RIM approach
      • Ability to document and follow the 3 C’s of vehicle repair
  • Outfit your training facility with the PERC specified training aid.
    • The Autogas Training Prop is an educational tool designed to demonstrate the various components and systems involved in an autogas-powered vehicle. This prop is a detailed, scale model of a pickup truck frame, showcasing all the critical elements of an autogas system in their actual locations.
    • Key features include a cutaway tank with visible internal structures and all tank connections, allowing students to understand the inner workings and connectivity of the tank. The model also features associated fill and outlet piping, giving a clear view of how the autogas is transferred and utilized within the system.
    • The prop includes an ECU (Engine Control Unit) and wiring, providing insights into the electronic control aspects of the autogas system. Additionally, it features fuel injectors and intake plumbing, demonstrating the fuel delivery process.
    • This comprehensive setup enables students to easily identify major autogas components and understand their placement and function within a vehicle, enhancing their practical knowledge and diagnostic skills.
  • Participate in a PERC marketing program highlighting receipt of the grant.
  • Participate in a PERC communications and outreach program to promote the grant program and the recipients to others.
  • Complete a final report at the conclusion of your first class, which includes an instructor survey, Propane Advisor survey, providing us a copy of your class syllabus, a letter from school stating Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection: Introduction for Automobile Service Technicians has been implemented, any photos taken during instruction that we could use in further promotion of the grant program, and information on how the school is promoting the availability of the program.

Timing

Application period is September 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025. Applicants will receive a welcome or denial email on a rolling basis. If you have been accepted into the program, you will receive a welcome packet with all the program components for you to complete.

Accepted applicants will receive payment upon providing the completed required paperwork- Participant Contract, Propane Advisor Commitment letter, and w9.

The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection: Introduction for Automobile Service Technicians course was developed to support a one to two weeklong curriculum, approximately 20 hours. There are two prerequisite courses to complete as part of this curriculum.

The Train the Trainer will take place in late spring/summer. Date TBD.

All elements of the program, including one round of classes being taught, need to be completed and sent to PERC via the final report by December 31, 2025.

Teaching Materials

PERC will provide you with a standardized autogas training board that supplements the curriculum, as well as digital versions of the instructor tools, student workbook, curriculum, and other resources upon acceptance into the program.

Download the Program Brochure

Available through PERC’s Learning Center, Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Training: Introduction for Automobile Service Technicians is an introductory course for automobile service technicians looking to understand propane Autogas components, systems, and operations.

There are four lessons in this course: Propane Fuel, Safety Considerations, Propane Vehicle Systems and Component Operation, and Vehicle Inspections.

Course Objectives:

• Understand propane Autogas components, systems and operation
• Practice Propane Safety Considerations
• Be able to use/locate info in NFPA 58 specific to on road propane Autogas systems
• Perform Propane Autogas inspections
• Present customers the inspection results following the RIM approach
• Ability to document and follow the 3 C’s of vehicle repair

Note: To get everyone on the same page, we make it a requirement to complete the course Fundamentals of Propane, and strongly suggested completing the Introduction to the Propane Industry programs before taking Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Training: Introduction for Automobile Service Technicians.

This course does not include information regarding filling containers or evacuation or purging of new containers. If you are already working on propane Autogas Engines and need specific training on the engine type that you work with, reach out to your OEM contact.

Create a free account on PERC’s Learning Center to View the Curriculum