Future-Proofing the Refrigeration Workforce

Across all industries, today’s rapidly evolving technologies require technicians to adapt to and train on new regulations. In refrigeration, however, regulatory shifts since the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) final rule on low global warming potential refrigerants will leave much of the workforce racing to keep up.

Industry professionals will need support from both refrigeration experts and food retailers to navigate changing regulations and the rise of natural refrigerants. HVACR companies like The Arcticom Group look to fill knowledge gaps with flexible, personalized training on the newest methods and technologies.

Issues Facing Today’s Technicians

The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council projects that the number of stores using CO2 as a natural replacement for less environmentally friendly synthetics will grow by 312% between 2024 and 2028. This puts technicians in a tough spot. Seasoned industry vets will learn new methods of installing CO2 refrigeration systems during the rollout, but new technicians are the ones who will have a difficult time. During a gradual transition, they’ll be doubly tasked to learn how to service both the older and newer equipment.

At the same time, the industry is already struggling from the lack of new professionals entering the workforce as previous generations retire. Without enough technicians in the field, current workers are suffering under the weight of a heavy workload, causing widespread burnout.

How Can HVACR Businesses and Food Retailers Help?

Industry leaders can respond to today’s challenges with strong recruiting practices, in-depth but adaptable educational programs, and ongoing support to help technicians succeed.

Recruit, Recruit, Recruit

Recruiting opportunities at schools, career fairs, and vocational programs can help fill the refrigeration workforce gaps. Awareness of the industry can begin as early as middle school and extend into related areas, such as HVAC systems. Also, food retailers can look within their current workforce to train new technicians for open roles, helping build a reliable team from the inside.

Invest In Training

Comprehensive training propels new technicians into the workforce while current professionals gain newly in-demand skills. Today’s overworked technicians may not have the time to step away from work for on-site educational programs, so flexible schedules and virtual options offer a way to adapt to industry changes without taking too much time off. Additionally, shadowing opportunities provide real-world experience with new technologies, making the training process more efficient and effective.

Give Much-Needed Support

In addition to training and mentorship, refrigeration technicians need support from the industry professionals they work with. Managers in refrigeration-dependent businesses should seize the opportunity to learn about and understand their overall system, enabling them to identify potential malfunctions early. Preventive maintenance can improve system performance and longevity, helping to avoid larger, more time-consuming issues and ultimately reducing technicians’ workloads.

Train With The Arcticom Group

Technicians across The Arcticom Group’s growing family of operating companies have access to our state-of-the-art CO2 training facility in Southern California. Using a proprietary needs analysis tool, we tailor our training to meet today’s technicians where they are in their journeys, and we offer both in-person and virtual options to accommodate their busy schedules. Learn more to see if our training program is the right fit for you or your business.

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