Alternative Fuels — Carbon Based Fuels Proficiency Certificate
Description:
Alternative Fuels — Carbon Based Fuels Proficiency Certificate provides valuable training and expertise and adds an additional path to our existing, successful automotive (AT) Program, which is accredited by the Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE). While the AT Program meets the current industry requirements for Automotive Technicians, it is not focused on future fuel needs, and this expertise is increasingly required and in demand. This micro proficiency certificate helps to meet that need, and we believe that our current and future AT students will be interested in completing it to enhance their marketability. This micro proficiency certificate is also intended to help experienced technicians prepare to work on alternative fueled vehicles that use carbon-based fuels.
Alternative fuels are increasingly being used in our immediate geographical area and require trained technicians, which this credential addresses. Many local organizations are investing in alternative fuels. For example, the City of Philadelphia has just completed a large infrastructure improvement project by building a multimillion dollar Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station for their fleet of waste removal vehicles, allowing them to slow-fill 70 CNG vehicles at one time. We will continue to see different fuels being used as the price of conventional gas continues to rise. Fuel replacement, the use of a new fuel in an existing platform, is a continual challenge because of the opportunity to reduce the everyday fuel cost associated with transportation. A small change can bring huge rewards for companies such as SEPTA when their entire profit margin rides of fuel costs.
The Alternative Fuels - Carbon Based Fuels Proficiency Certificate program is located at the Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC).
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Alternative Fuels - Carbon Based Fuels Proficiency Certificate, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate appropriate techniques to create a safe working environment with Alternative Fuels Technologies (ALTF) vehicles, utilizing currently accepted industry standards.
- Diagnose a variety of ALTF vehicle system functionality issues in accordance with currently accepted industry standards, including Compressed Natural Gas powered vehicles.
- Demonstrate proper and effective use of current technology and tools to service and repair ALTF vehicles, in accordance with currently accepted industry standards.
Program Entry Requirements:
This certificate is open to interested students who have either completed an appropriate program (such as Automotive Technology, Medium/Heavy Truck, or Toyota T-TEN) and have submitted a transcript, or who can provide certifications indicating appropriate transportation industry work experience. New students are normally required to take the College’s placement test at their time of entry. Students who are identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses as part of the certificate when applicable.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
Successful completion of the program requires a "C" grade or better in each of the courses listed in the program.
Course Sequence:
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALTF 110 – Compressed Natural Gas for Transportation | AT 261 or suitable documented industry experience | 3 credits |
| ALTF 111 - Carbon-Based Fuel Alternatives | AT 261 or suitable documented industry experience | 3 credits |
Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate:
6For More Information, Contact:
The Division of Business and Technology, Room B2-22, 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Telephone (215) 751-8414 or the College Information Center (215) 751-8010.