In September 2024, we launched R-TRADE (Refrigeration Technician Recruitment, Advancement, Development, and Education), a nationwide workforce development program that aims to combat the critical refrigeration technician shortage. The generous support of R-TRADE’s founding partners—Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Kroger, and Albertsons—made funding available for the program.
New regulatory requirements and rising corporate climate commitments are driving an industry-wide transition from greenhouse gas hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. At the same time, the commercial refrigeration industry faces a growing technician shortage, presenting a significant challenge as the industry prepares to transition to climate-friendly refrigerants.
“R-TRADE will provide necessary solutions that benefit every sector of the refrigeration industry,” said Danielle Wright, NASRC executive director. “By fostering a skilled technician workforce, this program meets the grocery refrigeration industry’s immediate needs while equipping technicians to enable a smooth transition from HFCs that will pave the way for a sustainable and resilient industry.”
About R-TRADE
R-TRADE takes a three-pronged approach to addressing the refrigeration technician shortage:
- Recruitment: Increase awareness and support for this career path to build a robust pipeline of refrigeration technician candidates through youth and adult engagement.
- Training: Increase access to comprehensive training on refrigeration and advanced refrigeration technologies to collectively train over 14,000 technicians.
- Retention: Identify and promote best practices, technologies, and other support mechanisms to increase the number of existing technicians who remain in the refrigeration trade.
The program draws inspiration from NASRC’s Workforce Development Assessment, which identified data-driven solutions to address the labor market shortage of commercial refrigeration technicians. Since its publication, the organization has implemented several solutions identified in the report, including the Natural Refrigerant Training Summit series, a Train the Trainer pilot for HVACR school faculty in Southern California and HVACR student networking events. Thanks to the Founding Partners’ support, the organization can work to expand its workforce development initiatives and address more comprehensive recruiting, training, and retention solutions through R-TRADE.
About the Founding Partners
Each Founding Partner has committed to supporting R-TRADE’s first three years, with Walmart and Amazon voluntarily surpassing the suggested donation amount.
“Building the technician workforce and empowering these professionals with knowledge of natural refrigerants is crucial to achieving our climate objectives while staying ahead of evolving regulatory requirements,” said Brandon Ballard, Walmart’s Senior Director of Facility Services for Refrigeration and HVAC. “Through our commitment to R-TRADE, we’re making a meaningful impact on the future of the retail industry and the planet.”
In addition to providing the program’s seed funding, the Founding Partners will offer valuable and unique insight from a retailer’s perspective.
“By investing in R-TRADE, we’re not only preparing the technician workforce for the future but also advancing our commitment to The Climate Pledge,” said Chris Roe, Director of Worldwide Environment and Carbon, Amazon. “Our partnership in this initiative underscores our ongoing dedication to sustainable and responsible operations.”
R-TRADE represents a collaborative effort between industry leaders. Each partner brings valuable expertise and motivation to build a skilled and ready workforce of refrigeration technicians.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with these forward-thinking organizations that share our common vision for a sustainable future of this essential industry,” said Morgan Vanzo, NASRC senior director. “By working collectively, R-TRADE will move the industry forward to deliver these critically needed solutions to grow the technician workforce.”
We encourage participation from all stakeholders across the refrigeration industry to maximize R-TRADE’s success. For more information on the program and how to get involved, visit nasrc.org/r-trade.