Instructors in Chabot College’s Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles program are ready to teach their students the latest technology thanks to training from one of the industry’s leading professional development providers, and funding from the California Energy Commission.
Chabot faculty attended multi-day training sessions held throughout the summer. Topics covered included:
- Diagnostics equipment
- Scope testing
- Converter/inverter operation
- Battery health testing
- Toyota Online Information (TIS)
- Common Prius issues and diagnoses
Jack Rosebro, founder of Perfect Sky, lead the training sessions. Perfect Sky trains automotive technicians and educators on the theory, analysis, operation, diagnosis, design, and/or repair of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles. Rosebro teaches throughout North America and has worked with organizations including Mercedes-Benz and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Faculty who attended the training appreciated Rosebro’s knowledge and experience in the field. They are excited to pass what they learned along to their students this fall as the new school year gets underway.
“The information and knowledge, and hands-instruction I received during the training session will be very helpful in the hybrid class that I will be facilitating this semester,” said Chabot instructor Ed Snider. “Using these tools in my next class will help my students achieve a better understanding of hybrid vehicles.”
Chabot College offers a Certificate of Achievement in Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles as part of its Automotive Technology department. After pursuing the certificate, students can go on to pursue an Associate in Automotive Technology.
Instructor Steve Kay said this summer’s training will have impacts across that curriculum.
“The benefits of this class training and experience will greatly enhance most if not all classes available in Chabot College’s automotive class curriculum choices,” Kay said. “Additionally, the practicality of this training is spot-on for current trending in the automotive trade industries. Chabot College will have the ability to demonstrate true state-of-the-art, cutting-edge training to our students and graduates.”
Beyond learning the ins and outs of hybrids, the training also provided an opportunity for faculty network with instructors from other colleges. Those relationships will prove beneficial for sharing best practices throughout the school year, said Chabot instructor Mike Sherburne.
“We can collaborate on making determinations about what needs to be presented to our students so they can be successful,” Sherburne said. “When opportunities like this come up, it helps our automotive training programs so we can help our students.”
