Sign Up for News Updates
Propane autogas is already a trusted energy for fleets across the country, powering vehicles from school buses to shuttle vans and delivery trucks. And with that widespread adoption comes an established and growing network of service technicians who keep those vehicles running safely and reliably.
But as the transportation industry continues its shift toward clean energy solutions, the need for skilled technicians will only grow. To keep pace with demand, and to ensure fleets can continue operating efficiently, the next generation of automotive professionals must be prepared to service propane autogas vehicles from day one.
That’s why the Propane Education & Research Council developed the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program. The program equips educational institutions and career centers with propane-specific training tools and curriculum, giving students more career opportunities after graduation. In turn, it gives fleet owners confidence to adopt propane autogas vehicles, knowing a service technician is ready to assist.
A Hands-On Program Designed for Real-World Impact
Schools across the country are already taking steps to prepare students for careers in clean transportation, and this grant is helping expand access. By providing funding, training materials, and instructor curriculum, the program empowers educators to add propane autogas training into existing automotive courses without delay or added costs for students.
Selected schools are awarded $7,500 in funding to send an instructor to attend PERC’s Train-the-Trainer program and to receive a scale-model training aid of a pickup truck frame that showcases all the key components of a propane autogas system in their actual locations.
Throughout the program, students will learn how to identify autogas engine components, understand how they work together within the vehicle, and conduct routine inspections with safety in mind. They’re also trained to interpret and apply information from NFPA 58 — the industry’s standard code for handling propane — and present inspection results to customers using a proven Results, Inspection, and Maintenance (RIM) framework.
In its first two years, this program reached 24 schools in 16 states, helping train hundreds of students who now have job-ready skills they can take straight into the workforce. Applications open on an annual basis. More information on the application process is available here.
A Win for Fleet Owners, Too
While the grant program is rooted in education, its benefits ripple far beyond the classroom. As more trained professionals enter the workforce, routine maintenance and repairs on propane autogas vehicles can be completed faster and more efficiently, helping fleet owners avoid costly downtime and stay on schedule. Technicians also play a key role in keeping vehicles compliant with rigorous safety standards. Their specialized training ensures that propane autogas vehicles operate safely and reliably, protecting both drivers and passengers.
For fleet owners adopting clean energy, this growing technician pipeline provides added confidence. As more students graduate with autogas-specific training, service availability expands, making the transition to alternative fuels easier. By investing in technician training, this program supports the long-term efficiency and reliability of clean fleets while helping the transportation industry meet its broader sustainability goals.
As more schools adopt this training and more students graduate with hands-on experience, the industry is better equipped to scale with confidence. Educators interested in enhancing their automotive programs with propane-specific training can explore program details at percstates.wpenginepowered.com/autogasgrantprogram.