The National Biodiesel Board and the Universal Technical Institute have formed a partnership to provide training to technicians on how biodiesel works with existing diesel technology.
“I’ve found that students are very curious about biodiesel, but they come in with misinformation,” says Jason Mosler, UTI instructor. “They think that it’s fryer grease, that you can make it in your backyard. When we can clear the air on those misconceptions and explain what commercial biodiesel really is, their eyes are opened.”
NBB is conducting a biodiesel training of instructors and students at UTI’s Dallas campus, the last of UTI’s 10 campuses nationwide. Last year, more than 10,000 students graduated from UTI.
“People listen to their automotive technicians, and if there is an information gap there, techs are not likely to recommend biodiesel to their customers,” says Rachel Burton, who leads NBB’s Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians program. The program has had a partnership with UTI since 2009.
Burton says by increasing awareness at that level, “we grow biodiesel acceptance in general and will ultimately help Americans realize biodiesel’s full potential, with all its benefits.”
