NVFC Hazmat and EV/AFV Train-the-Trainer Courses – June 2025

Background

The NVFC offers dozens of courses at low- or no-cost to emergency response personnel nationwide. To help meet the ongoing demand for quality training, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is inviting fire service instructors to apply to serve as volunteer* instructors for its hazmat courses and providing training for selected applicants. (*instructors will receive a small stipend per training based on course length)

Courses

In June 2025, the NVFC will train new instructors for the following hazmat-related courses/programs. Applicants can choose to participate in one or both programs.

  • NVFC Hazmat Partners In Training (PIT Crew)- The NVFC, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), offers a hazmat train-the-trainer program: Partners in Training (PIT) Crew. These courses will help first responders gain the knowledge and skills they need to train others in their communities on hazmat safety and response. Experienced instructors and those new to the field are welcome to attend. Fifteen different courses are included in this program; trainees will receive instruction on delivering these trainings. Due to the extensive catalog, this training will include a hybrid component. Course duration: 3-7 hours | Setting: Classroom and hands-on (outside or garage space)
  • EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques – As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This awareness and fundamentals course sponsored by General Motors will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident. This training will require space outside for a hands-on component with an electric vehicle. Course duration: 4-8 hours | Setting: Classroom and hands-on (outside or garage space)

Who Should Apply

The NVFC is looking for experienced fire service instructors from varied geographic locations across the United States. All applicants must hold a minimum of Fire Instructor I certification (Pro Board or IFSAC), Haz Mat to the Operations Level, Vehicle Machinery Rescue training, and have verifiable experience in training varied populations. Applicants must have experience teaching in the subject matter area within the last 2 years.

Successful applicants must attend the hands-on train-the-trainer seminar on June 21-23, 2025. Additionally, EV/AFV instructors will be required to coordinate and deliver at least one (1) training by September 2025; general hazmat instructors will be required to deliver one (1) training by December 2025. Both groups should plan to provide ongoing training to their regions. Applicants must also be willing to commit to ongoing instructor development as the program continues.

Expectations

Participants in the NVFC Hazmat and EV/AFV Train-the-Trainer program will be expected to complete the following:

  1. Virtual Training: To help make the best use of training time together, all participants will be required to review course materials prior to gathering in-person and complete a pre-session exercise (total time commitment: approximately 10 hours).
  2. In-Person Training:All selected applicants will be required to attend a hands-on train-the-trainer event, to be held June 21-23 in Salt Lake City, UT. Participants will complete approximately 10 hours of training and leave prepared to facilitate knowledge transfer in their regions.
  3. Course Delivery: Instructors must then teach at least one 3-8 hour (depending on course) in-person training for a minimum of 25 individuals in their region by September 2025 (EV/AFV training) or December 2025 (general hazmat training). The NVFC will support instructors by providing course materials and instructor manuals; helping to identify training locations/interested departments; helping locate supplies (including a demo vehicle for EV/AFV training); and covering all approved travel related expenses, including a small instructor stipend.
  4. Looking Ahead:The NVFC will add newly trained instructors to our instructor database and send requests for future training opportunities. To help support instructor networking and growth, the NVFC hosts quarterly hazmat instructor calls. Trainers are also encouraged to continue seeking opportunities in their regions. Instructors must notify the NVFC when they teach the course and submit program evaluations to help track program reach, document lessons learned, and ensure program success.

Train-the-Trainer Course Details

June 21-23, 9am-5pm daily | Salt Lake City, UT

  • Training location TBD – transportation provided from hotel
  • Hotel: Salt Lake City Marriott City Center
  • Please note, this event overlaps with the NVFC Training Summit, taking place June 20-21 at the Marriott.
  • Please note, if you are only participating in one course topic (either EV/AFV or general hazmat), course days/times will vary. More details will be provided upon selection.

Travel Reimbursement

The NVFC will cover approved travel expenses including lodging, transportation (airfare or mileage), local transportation, and meals. Additional details to be provided upon selection.

How to Apply

Complete the application form by Friday, February 28. Notifications will be sent by March 20.

Questions

Contact Rachel Buczynski, chief of training and education, at rachel@nvfc.org or 202-887-5700 x130.