Business : Kirkwood offers biodiesel fuel training for automotive technicians and mechanics

A HOME-GROWN ALTERNATIVE: Kirkwood part of state-wide biodiesel fuels training; Nov. 11 course designed for automotive technicians and mechanics

Biodiesel fuels are clean-burning alternatives to petroleum—and could have significant benefits for Iowa’s economy as well as the environment. A new class offered at Kirkwood Community College will share up-to-date information on biodiesel from the mechanic’s and automotive technician’s point of view. The course will highlight biodiesel’s clean-burning, renewable attributes and the practical aspects to apply this alternative fuel in private and commercial vehicles.

The new Biodiesel education program is a free three-hour workshop that will share background information and practical applications of biodiesel for consumer, commercial and agricultural applications. Biodiesel advocates also point out the fuel is non-toxic, biodegradable and essentially free of sulfur and aromatic pollutants. The renewable fuel has been proven easily used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with few, if any modifications.

The Biodiesel Training course is offered by Iowa’s 15 community colleges, in partnership with the Iowa Biodiesel Board. The class is in the approval process with the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) to qualify as an ASE Certified Training Provider of Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE).

The no-cost workshop will be offered at Kirkwood Community College on Thursday, Nov. 11, 6 to 9 p.m. in Washington Hall Room 3 on the main Cedar Rapids campus. An evening meal will also be offered to each attendee.

Area people interested in attending the free program may register by calling 319-398-1022 or 1-800-332-8833, or by visiting www.kirkwood.edu/ce . The class title is “Introduction to Biodiesel,” Section #: CIAS-3020-9423.