Here’s a look at how American River College is using CEC funding to make an impact on prospective students in their areas.
The focus at American River College is on fleet operations and large-scale engines, rather than consumer cars. The college used its CEC funding to purchase a CNG tractor cab that it uses as a recruiting tool.
Those efforts seem to be paying off — the college had hoped for 20 students in its Clean Diesel Technology certificate program but ended up with 60 this semester.
Craig Weckman, Chair of the Diesel Technology and Collision Technology Departments, said the demand illustrates the gap between interest in clean diesel vehicle maintenance and the number of training opportunities available.
Many public transportation systems and other fleets are powered by CNG vehicles, but the fact that they’re not widely used in the private sector means training is limited, Weckman said.
“CNG trucks and equipment are better for the environment and the fuel is cheaper than diesel right now,” Weckman said.
Weckman said the college partnered with the Twin Rivers Unified School District and specifically Highlands High school to build the Clean Diesel Technology certificate from the ground up.
“Twin Rivers high school is stepping up in a lot of different ways and has been a great partner for us,” Weckman said.
