The need to be trained in the latest technologies is imperative for instructors teaching Alternative Fuel and Clean Energy courses.
Rapid advancement in technology impacts this sector in all areas, including solar, energy storage, compressed natural gas, and more. Instructors must maintain an up-to-date knowledge of and a hands-on ability to work with and teach these ever-advancing technologies for new technicians to successfully enter the workforce.
Fortunately, Deputy Sector Navigators of the Clean Energy and Transportation Initiative (CETI) work to make and maintain connections with industry partners and regional colleges that can help provide this training for faculty in their regions and across the state.
Advanced Vehicle Technologies Training
Larry McLaughlin, DSN in the Inland Empire/Desert Region recently partnered with the College of the Desert Automotive Department to bring two advanced vehicle technologies trainings at no cost to instructors.
In late January, faculty attended a two-day Cummins Near Zero Emissions 9.0 Natural Gas Engine Familiarization Workshop. Instructors learned about the “Near Zero” emissions engine, its engine management system and emission control system. A gaseous leak detector was given to participating instructors.
College of the Desert also hosted a Hydrogen Vehicle Training in February, designed to familiarize instructors with the components and operation of the hydrogen system on the Toyota Mirai. Participants discussed alternative fuel curriculum and shop activities that can be integrated into existing curricula. Faculty attending this event received a Fluke 1587 meter.
Soft Skills Certification
As part of the recent Industry Driven Regional Collaborative (IDRC) project, Pam Gutman, Bay Region DSN, facilitated the training and certification of 40 automotive faculty from 17 colleges in the New World of Work (NWoW) soft skills curriculum in August 2017. Participants represented 13 colleges in Northern California and 4 in Southern California.
DSN grant funds also paid for the development of the web-based versions of the approved NWoW curriculum. Modules from the NWoW curriculum were then embedded in 32 automotive courses last semester, with approximately 450 students enrolled.
Instrumentation, Process Control and Automation Bootcamp
Jannet Malig, CETI DSN in Orange County/Los Angeles partnered with Advanced Manufacturing DSNs Norma Alvarado and Ben Traina to bring a 5-day Train the Trainer Bootcamp for community college faculty in the Advanced Manufacturing, Utilities and Clean Energy and Transportation Sectors.
The International Society of Automation/Automation Federation conduced the intensive training focused on instrumentation, process control and automation (industrial/robotics) at Cerritos College last fall.
Each day was packed with hands-on instruction and activities that covered a broad range of technical topics including:
- Instrumentation Basics
- Calibration and Maintenance
- Digital (Smart) Transmitters
- Control Valves, Positioners, and DVCs
- Tuning and Troubleshooting Control Systems
The DSNs’ combined funding enabled faculty to attend for free, which was a huge benefit for the participants.
For information about future trainings around the state, contact the CETI Deputy Sector Navigators.
