Alternative Fuels in Transportation : Workforce needs and opportunities in support of reducing reliance on petroleum fuels

Bleything, Abby; Cowan, Greer; McRae, Glenn; Myers, Linnea · 2016 · ROSA P / University of Vermont. Transportation Research Center

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Summary

This 2016 report by the University of Vermont’s Transportation Research Center addresses the workforce implications of transitioning the U.S. transportation sector away from petroleum-based fuels. Motivated by the need to reduce reliance on foreign oil and mitigate environmental impacts, the study investigates how the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs)—including compressed natural gas, propane, biofuels, and electric vehicles—affects workforce demands. Specifically, it seeks to determine the evolution of training and education required to support this transition and to identify current gaps in workforce development. The research was conducted by the Northeast Transportation Workforce Center in partnership with 13 Clean Cities Coalitions. Data collection involved surveys distributed to Clean Cities Coordinators and stakeholders, yielding 43 coordinator responses and 41 stakeholder responses. Additionally, the authors conducted phone interviews with coordinators, held closed webinar discussions, and compiled a database of existing K-12 through university-level alternative fuel training programs. This mixed-methods approach allowed for an analysis of both quantitative trends in workforce demand and qualitative insights into regional challenges and educational opportunities. The findings indicate that market factors, particularly fuel pricing, and legislative policies are the primary drivers of AFV growth, while low conventional fuel prices and inconsistent incentives depress it. Stakeholders and coordinators project a short-term stabilization of workforce numbers but anticipate significant growth over the next three to five years, driven by rising petroleum costs and technological advancements. However, significant barriers exist, including a shortage of trained technicians for maintenance, particularly for CNG and propane, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled workers. Respondents highlighted that existing automotive knowledge is often not transferable to alternative fuels, necessitating entirely new skill sets. Furthermore, the rapid pace of technological change often outstrips the ability of educational institutions to update curricula, leading to outdated training offerings. The report concludes that regional transportation workforce centers play a critical role in bridging these gaps by identifying local job needs, facilitating partnerships between employers and educational institutions, and coordinating training resources. It emphasizes the importance of early education, suggesting that awareness of alternative fuels should begin in K-12 settings to normalize the technology for future workers. The study recommends that workforce boards engage more actively with Clean Cities Coordinators to access funding and align training with economic development goals. Ultimately, the paper argues that a coordinated, multi-level educational strategy—from grade school awareness to professional development for current mechanics—is essential to building a workforce capable of sustaining the alternative fuel infrastructure.

Key finding

Market factors and legislative policies drive alternative fuel growth, while low fossil fuel prices and a shortage of trained maintenance technicians depress it.

Methodology

survey

Sample size: 84

Provenance

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• eco driving