Sparking Change, WVU Fire Extension Sets FDIC Ablaze with Electric Vehicle Training Excellence!
2024-04-15 08:00 - 2024-04-20 17:00 (America/New_York) | WV
Thrilled to share that our esteemed first responder partner, the WVU Fire Extension Service, recently showcased their dedication and expertise at the prestigious 2024 FDIC International, the apex event for firefighters across the world. Amidst the fervor, they delivered a remarkable series of five trainings on ‘Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Response,’ empowering countless attendees with vital EV incident response knowledge. Their commitment to firefighting readiness and training innovation shines brightly, illuminating the path for safer communities. 🚒💫 #NAFTC #FDIC2024 #WVU Fire Service Extension

2024-05-10 | WV
Congratulations to NAFTC member Columbus State Community College Prof. Steve Levin and his student crew on their second place finish with their partner, The Ohio State University, in the US Dept. of Energy’s Battery Workforce Challenge Year One competition. Learn more…(link to DOE story)

NAFTC - Professional Development Meeting / Training session
2025-02-23 - 2025-02-27 | Weber State, 2750 University Park Blvd., Layton, UT, 84041, United States
On February 25-28, 18 automotive instructors from 5 educational institutions, came together at Weber State University in order to research and develop a pathway for a credentialed EV technical workforce to support the current U.S. goal that by 2030, 50% of all new vehicle sold will be electric or zero emission vehicles.

Scope: The project team will research, develop, and deploy a model framework for a standards-driven Community and Technical College (CTC)-based Associate’s Degree with a specialization in electric drive train repair and maintenance for automotive, transit, and class 1-8 electric vehicles. The team will establish recommended general and specialty courses for the degree, and will establish minimum standard EV coursework. Because automotive programs in some regions may be delivered primarily by Career and Technical Education Institutions of K-12 public education systems, the model will include a pathway for high school students to convert high school coursework related to automotive programs to college credits toward an Associate’s Degree. Further, the model will include career exploration/workforce development component targeted to youth, women, minorities, economically disadvantaged, and other underrepresented populations to address workforce diversity, especially related to gender equity in the industry.

Approach: CTCs are highly attuned to employers’ needs. Until recently, except in regions that have been early EV adopters such as California, employers typically have not demanded that prospective recruits possess a basic understanding of electric vehicles. Select NAFTC members (CTCs and CTEs) from across the U.S. will review collectively how CTCs and CTEs are approaching EV education, identify best practices, review educational materials, identify gaps, and will address those gaps to arrive at a two-year degree program to establish a national standard in EV education and training. The team will conduct a train-the-trainer roll out of the model and the materials for up to 30 educational institutions with automotive programs. An Employers Council will be created from the respective project team members’ industry advisory committees to ensure a strong match between job knowledge required, the associated credentials, and employers’ needs. A plan will be developed to expand the credentialing effort beyond the funding period.

Project Stage: This is a research and development effort to establish a uniform, credentialed, EV education standard to be promulgated nationally. Participants include public and private non-profit institutions of higher education and K-12 public education. The project involves researching whether and how CTCs and CTEs are approaching EV education and developing a model that will lay the foundation for establishing a national standard for High-Voltage EV Technician Education and certification to meet workforce needs.

Expected Outcomes: Outcomes include a model for preparing an EV technician workforce, a beta tested train-the-trainer program introducing the model and materials, and plan to continue the project beyond the funding period. Up to 36 institutions and 72 instructors will be involved in this initial credentialing effort.

EV Fire Safety in Focus - WVU Fire Service Extension Brings Expert Training to Arson Investigators
2025-05-21 - 2025-05-23 | Sandhill, 3395 Airport Rd, Pinehurst, NC, 28374, United States
50th International Association of Arson Investigators Event – Pinehurst, NC

The WVU Fire Service Extension and the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), part of WVU’s Safety and Health Extension, recently participated in the 50th Annual International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) training event. The event was held at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

On May 22, WVU Fire Service Extension instructors Ralph McNemar and Matt Reed delivered the Electric Vehicle First Responder Safety Training – Fundamentals course to over 160 arson investigators from across the Carolinas and the nation. This specialized training emphasized critical safety protocols for first responders working with electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting best practices for investigating fires involving alternative fuel technologies.

Participants had the opportunity to examine two alternative fuel vehicles and observe a live demonstration showcasing the risks associated with damaged or compromised lithium-ion batteries. The training included both classroom instruction and hands-on interaction with a cutaway vehicle, allowing attendees to apply their learning in a practical context.

NC-IAAI Vice President Patrick Barker praised the session, stating, “Instructors from West Virginia University Fire Service Extension brought a wealth of knowledge to our attendees. The combination of classroom presentation and hands-on experience with the EV cutaway vehicle was both educational and invaluable.”

This and other first responder training courses are available to firefighters, police, and emergency personnel nationwide. For more information, contact fireservice@mail.wvu.edu or naftc@mail.wvu.edu

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EVAAS In-person Experience Workshop - Southeast/Mid-Atlantic
2025-08-06 08:30 - 17:00 | WakeTech, 6851 Perry Creek Road, Raleigh, 27603, United States
In-person Experience Registration: Southeast/Mid-Atlantic Form with email and upload button?

In-person Experience Registration Deadline:

Complete registration at the link above five (5) business days prior to the In-person Experience training for which you were accepted. Failure to upload the EV Phase I Certificate of Completion by the deadline will lead to forfeiture of the stipend. (ßhyperlink to item 3) See Dates and Locations below. (ßlink to Dates and Locations below)

Extenuating Circumstances:

If you miss the deadline and you feel you have extenuating circumstances that may merit special consideration, contact the PI at tkwafle@mail.wvu.edu and use the subject heading “EE0010114 EV AAS Extenuating Circumstances-EV Phase I Registration” or call 304 293-6038.

In-person Experience Workshop Content:

Morning session

Vehicle component identification

Coolant system

Brake fluid

Battery

Power steering

A/C refrigerant

Jump-starting

In-vehicle activity

Data link connector

Ignition/power on

Starting the vehicle

Dashboard and controls

EV battery

HVAC

Glove box

Vehicle configuration

Vehicle configuration label

Operational tasks

Gear selection

Vehicles shutdown

Afternoon session

Common components

High voltage direct current (D/C) battery

D/C-A/C and A/C-D/C inverter

DC-DC converter

Transmission/traction motor(s)

Electrical A/C compressor

On-board charger module

Junction box, distribution center

Charge receptacle

Cabin heater

Battery coolant heater

Common component layout(s)

A working lunch will be provided.

Dress and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

You must wear hard-toed shoes with rubber soles in the vehicle bays. Also, wear cotton clothing with full-length trousers (no shorts) and long-sleeved shirts. No jewelry. The training center will provide PPE, but attendees may bring their own insulated rubber gloves (Class 0) and goggles, glasses, or face shield (Z87.1 Standard).

Dates and Locations:

Southeast/Mid-Atlantic: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 8:30 a.m. Eastern

EV Phase I Certificate Upload by: Wednesday, July 30, 9:00 a.m. Eastern

Wake Technical College, Charlotte, NC ßlink to Wake Tech logistics page

Limited to 18 participants

Contact: questions about logistics, call GET NAME

NAFTC goes to the 100th State Fair of WV
2025-08-10 - 2025-08-14 | State Fair of WV, 947 Maplewood Ave, Lewisburg, WV, 24901, United States
What an incredible few days at the 100th anniversary of the State Fair of West Virginia! NAFTC was thrilled to bring alternative fuel education directly to our community, set up right on the lawn of the WVU building.
We’re passionate about spreading awareness of alternative fuels and the critical safety knowledge that comes with this technology. Our Hybrid Electric Vehicle Training Educator (HEVTE) —a specially designed cutaway Prius that can run on gas, electric, or propane —gave firefighters and first responders hands-on experience with hybrid vehicle safety protocols they need to protect our communities. Meanwhile, visitors experienced the future of EVs firsthand with our Chevy Bolt EUV through the Rural Reimagined project.
The conversations were incredible! Fire chiefs exploring EV emergency response techniques, auto technicians diving into hybrid repair methods, and career & technical education instructors discovering new ways to prepare the next generation of clean transportation professionals. We were especially honored when WVU’s new 27th president stopped by to pay us a visit and learn about alternative fuels—what a wonderful way to show university support for our mission!
We couldn’t have done this without our amazing partners: WVU Fire Service Extension, WVU Ecocar, and Rural Reimagined. When we work together, we can reach more people and create the trained workforce needed for America’s energy independence.
Every person who stopped by our display left knowing more about alternative fuels and safety than when they arrived—and THAT’S what gets us excited! This is why we do what we do: serving our community through education, one conversation at a time.
Video Highlight

2025 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo!
2025-08-25 - 2025-08-27 | Benton Convention Center, 301 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101
Mark Fullen, Executive Director of the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), attended the three-day 2025 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, demonstrating NAFTC’s commitment to advancing alternative fuel education and first responder safety nationwide. The conference ran from August 25-27 at the Benton Convention Center, bringing together over 300 fleet professionals, technology providers, and policy leaders to explore cutting-edge sustainable transportation solutions.
The conference focused on data-driven fleet decisions and real-world implementation strategies. This focus aligns perfectly with NAFTC’s mission as an alternative fuel vehicle training organization that bridges alternative fuel technology training with occupational safety and emergency response preparation. These skills are becoming increasingly critical as fleets nationwide transition to sustainable technologies.
The conference was particularly valuable for Fullen given his passion for first responder topics. The networking opportunities with fleet managers and industry leaders create training opportunities for NAFTC’s network nationwide. The conference’s emphasis on practical implementation strategies ensures NAFTC’s programs remain relevant to actual fleet operations and emerging workforce needs.

Learn more at www.sustainablefleetexpo.com
