Austin Community College in Austin, TX, recently received a $98,860 grant from the state to spend on alternative fuel training. The school is offering training classes on hybrids, as well as classes covering other “green” cars including ones powered by propane, natural gas and biodiesel.
Below is the article as it appeared on the KXAN NBC TV (Austin, TX) website.
Cash will get car mechanics up to speed
By Erin Cargile
Published : Monday, 05 Jul 2010, 8:08 PM CDT
AUSTIN (KXAN) – "We have to disable the system so no one gets electrocuted," said Robert Pelham as he leaned over the trunk of a Toyota Prius. "In this vehicle, it’s a 201-volt battery."
The automotive instructor at Austin Community College spoke to about half a dozen students who are trying to get comfortable working on hybrids.
"They are scary," said Mira Ramon who knows if she does not learn now, she will have a hard time surviving as a full time mechanic in a few months. "You can burn more computer components if you don’t know what you’re doing."
The days of just knowing their way around a traditional gas-powered car is long gone.
To read the entire article, visit the KXAN NBC TV (Austin, TX) website at http://www.kxan.com/dpp/living_green/green_tips/Cash-will-get-car-mechanics-up-to-speed.