Cash will get car mechanics up to speed

AUSTIN (KXAN) - "We have to disable the system so no one gets electrocuted," said Robert Pelham as he leaned over the trunk of a Toyota Prius . "In this vehicle, it's a 201-volt battery."

The automotive instructor at Austin Community College spoke to about half a dozen students who are trying to get comfortable working on hybrids.

"They are scary," said Mira Ramon who knows if she does not learn now, she will have a hard time surviving as a full time mechanic in a few months. "You can burn more computer components if you don't know what you're doing."

The days of just knowing their way around a traditional gas-powered car is long gone.

"I would say the level of difficulty is about the same," said student Mike Teague. "It's just learning the new technology."

Lessons on hybrids and other green cars fueled by propane, natural gas and biodiesel are currently being worked into the 2-year certification program. In an effort to speed up the learning curve, the state is giving ACC $98,860 to spend on alternative fuel training.

"We'll be able to take a giant step forward," said Pelham.

The grant will help double the school's hybrid training fleet. They want a Ford and a Honda hybrid to work on because each system is different. The school will also be able to buy the same computer scanning tools dealerships use to diagnose problems.

With the new equipment, ACC plans on rolling out their first fully devoted alternative fuel class this fall on their new Round Rock campus .

"Who's to say in the next couple of years, that a lot of extra compressed natural gas will turn up on the road? So we'll have to keep an eye on how things go from here," said Pelham.

But one thing is certain.

"Theres always gonna be someone who creates something new and more complex," said Teague.

ACC is one of 22 Texas community colleges cashing in on the grant. The funding is a portion of $3.84 million that comes from the Job Building Fund created to train people in high-demand occupations.