The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium, a program of West Virginia University, was awarded its third National Excellence in Training Award in the past six years from the Automotive Training Manager’s Council for its Clean Cities Learning Program Petroleum Reduction Technologies curriculum.

A panel of training manager professionals selected the NAFTC work for recognition from among programs across the nation. The award was based upon the program’s ability to meet training objectives in a highly effective and innovative manner.

The National Excellence in Training Award is given annually to outstanding or innovative training programs to emphasize the importance of training for the transportation industry. The award is open to any individual or corporation that provides training in the industry.

The NAFTC developed the Clean Cities Learning Program through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Program, to raise awareness and foster a greater understanding of alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles through targeted education and outreach efforts. Almost 100 U.S. DOE Clean Cities coalitions across the country work with industry and government agencies to help implement alternative-transportation solutions in their communities.

The Clean Cities Learning Program Petroleum Reduction Technologies program consists of workshops on biodiesel, ethanol, natural gas, propane, electric drive and hydrogen vehicles, and fuel economy and idle reduction. Also, there is an online toolbox with factsheets, booklets, PowerPoint presentations, case studies, and videos on each of the workshop subjects. Complete information on the program can be found at http://www.naftc.wvu.edu/cleancitieslearningprogram.

The NAFTC will receive its award in a formal presentation at the ATMC’s annual reception during the AAPEX and SEMA shows in Las Vegas in November. Previous winners include industry recognized names such as Ford, Delphi, Bridgestone, Volvo and AC Delco. This marks the third time the NAFTC was selected for a National Excellence in Training Award. In 2007, it won for its Overview of Biodiesel course and in 2012 the NAFTC won for the Electric Drive Vehicle First Responder Safety Training suite of products.

The ATMC is an organization founded by automotive training professionals for the exchange of training ideas and strategies.

NAFTC Assistant Director – Communications and Outreach Judy Moore explained that, “The Clean Cities Learning Program Petroleum Reduction Technologies curriculum was developed to provide education and information to multiple audiences about alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. It also has allowed the NAFTC to partner with the U.S. DOE Clean Cities Program in a way that conveys the importance and feasibility of alternative fuel vehicles to a much larger audience. The Clean Cities coordinators work with so many diverse companies and organizations; through this curriculum and its supporting materials, the NAFTC provides a thorough understanding of alternative fuels to a wide variety of audiences with varying degrees of experience. “

In addition to the NAFTC, this year’s recipients include Bridgestone Retail Operations LLC, Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair, Genuine Parts Company – NAPA AUTO PARTS, KPA, NAPA Autotech, and Penske Truck Leasing.

“The NAFTC is dedicated to educating and informing multiple audiences, including automotive technicians, fleet managers, first responders, and the public about alternative fuel vehicles,” Moore said. “We are honored to once again be a recipient of the prestigious National Excellence in Training Award.”

The NAFTC was founded in 1992 and manages education and outreach programs and activities, develops curricula, and conducts training on subject matter related to alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. The NAFTC works with universities, community colleges and high schools around the country to develop training programs for dissemination at the local level. The organization consists of approximately 50 National and Associate Training Centers that utilize its curricula and training materials.

-WVU-

jm/10/24/13

CONTACT: Judy Moore, National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium
304.293.7882 or 304.669.4870, Judy.Moore@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.