GREEN JOBS
New course teaches alternative fuels

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With more hybrid vehicles hitting the roads, Columbus State Community College is preparing a new course to prepare students for the rapidly advancing technology.

While issues including safety, alternative fuels, and electrical systems on hybrids have been covered as part of other courses, their growth in market share makes it vital to add a single course devoted to the topic.

Andrew Rezin, chairman of the Automotive Technologies program said, “With full electric cars just a matter of years away we have to be on the cutting edge and make sure our students have the high-tech skills needed to enter the job market.  While the auto industry is seeing a sales slump, dealerships are seeing an increase in their service departments as customers keep their cars longer.”

The 11-week, four-credit-hour course on hybrids will cover electric vehicles and those using alternative fuels, including bio-diesel and natural gas.  It will be offered for the first time later this year.

Mark Mitchell, the assistant professor who is developing the course said, “They’re here and they are always going to be here.  There are a lot of safety issues revolving around hybrids.  This course will prepare our students for the future.”

Columbus State student Rob Wagner will likely be one of the first. “Most colleges are probably not offering a class like that,” he said. “I can get that training here and show potential employers I know the components of a hybrid system.  Most employers will see I’m learning the future even though it’s not taught across the board yet.