MATC EARNS DESIGNATION AS NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER
FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL AND HYBRID VEHICLE TECHNICIANS
The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), the only alternative and advanced technology vehicle training organization in the country, has named Madison Area Technical College (MATC) a National Training Center and member of the Consortium. NAFTC helps promote the adoption of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles through its National Training Centers offering a variety of automotive training programs for technicians, fleet managers, public safety and first responder organizations and the public.
Fueled by concerns over diminishing oil and natural gas resources, more Americans are buying hybrid and alternative fuel cars every year. According to R. L. Polk & Co., a company that compiles data on the automobile market, there are 9 million of these vehicles on the road, a number that has more than doubled since 2000.
Automobile manufacturers and market experts agree the demand will continue to grow to close to 2 million by 2008. Right now, 46 different models of alternative fuel or hybrid cars are available, while 35 more are in development. Experts say about 37,000 trained automobile technicians are needed to meet the demand today and another 35,000 each year should be added to the workforce in the near future.
While, the expansion of the alternative vehicle market is very promising news for the environment and the economy, one of many questions remains: Who will repair and maintain these vehicles?
With the new designation, MATC will be part of solution. The college will have access to training materials and curricula specifically developed to teach the skills needed to repair and maintain alternative fuel, hybrid and other advanced technology vehicles. Plans are underway to incorporate the new curricula into MATC's automotive technology and diesel programs. The material also may be used in MATC's Renewable Energy Certificate and available to classes and programs throughout the college.
For more information on MATC automotive technology programs, certificates and courses, see the automotive programs information on the MATC Website at http://matcmadison.edu/auto.
MATC is one of the largest of the Wisconsin Technical College System’s 16 colleges. It provides “real world smart” education through a comprehensive curriculum of technical, liberal arts and science, adult basic education and life enrichment studies and activities, as well as customized employee training. MATC offers associate degrees, vocational diplomas and certificates, and non-degree courses in more than 140 programs of study. The college serves all or parts of 12 counties located in south-central Wisconsin and offers instruction through five campuses and numerous community locations throughout the district.
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Last
Modified:
April 2, 2007
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