The industrial refrigeration industry is facing a workforce challenge that can’t be ignored: a widening skills gap among technicians and operators responsible for keeping critical systems safe, efficient, and compliant. Certified Industrial Partners’ own Mike Wright, RAI, Industrial Training Manager, tackled this urgent issue head-on in his recent white paper, “From Shortage to Solution: Navigating the Skills Crisis in Industrial Refrigeration.”
The white paper explores the growing shortage of qualified refrigeration professionals, its impact on operations, and actionable solutions the industry can adopt to close the gap.
The Problem: A Shortage That’s Reaching a Breaking Point
Across North America and beyond, companies are struggling to fill skilled refrigeration roles. Experienced technicians are retiring faster than they can be replaced, and fewer young people are entering trade careers. As a result, many facilities find themselves short-staffed and stretched thin – a situation that increases safety risks, reduces efficiency, and increases operational costs.
Studies show that:
- 75% of manufacturers report severe skilled labor shortages.
- 60% of refrigeration technicians at some major facilities are over age 50.
- HVAC-R job openings are expected to exceed 42,000 annually through 2033.
Without immediate action, this skills gap threatens the industry with the increased risk of more safety incidents, environmental violations, and shutdowns.
The Path Forward: Proposed Solutions from an Industry Expert
In his paper, Mike outlines a framework of seven key solutions that can help organizations rebuild and strengthen their workforce pipeline. Highlights include:
- Early Career Awareness: Introduce students to refrigeration and other skilled trades through school partnerships, internships, and real-world success stories.
- Mentorship and Apprenticeship Programs: Use structured, USDOL-registered apprenticeships to transfer institutional knowledge and support career growth.
- Customized Training Paths: Adapt training to different learning styles – from hands-on learners to those who benefit from visual or self-paced instruction.
- Leveraging Technology: Use automation, AI diagnostics, and VR training to attract younger workers and enhance efficiency.
- Accessing Public Training Funds: Take advantage of workforce development grants and regional training programs.
- Exploring New Talent Pools: Recruit individuals from adjacent fields to diversify and expand the workforce.
- Measuring and Communicating Value: Treat training as an investment, not a cost, by tracking its tangible impact on safety, efficiency, and retention.
Together, these strategies can help the industry move from simply managing the shortage to actively solving it.
Leading the Way in Industry Expertise
At Certified Industrial Partners, we believe that industry challenges like this are best met with collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise. Mike Wright’s insights reflect our team’s deep experience and ongoing commitment to advancing industrial refrigeration – not just through service and system solutions, but through education, mentorship, and leadership.
👉 Read the full paper: “From Shortage to Solution”
Mike’s white paper dives deeper into each of these solutions with practical steps for facility leaders, technicians, and policymakers.
Together, we can close the skills gap and build a stronger, safer, and more sustainable future for industrial refrigeration.
