Collaboration is Key
One of the most remarkable aspects of R-TRADE is the level of collaboration it has inspired. It creates a neutral territory where competition across companies is set aside to contribute to a shared goal: building a robust, sustainable workforce. R-TRADE is supported by seed funding from Albertsons, Amazon, Costco, Kroger, and Walmart, but the program stakeholders are far-reaching. OEMs have donated equipment and training resources, service contractors have shared challenges and expertise, and schools have opened doors to new curricula.
In 2025, after numerous requests from companies to help, NASRC launched the R-TRADE Supporters program, which allows organizations to directly invest in workforce development solutions.
This collaborative approach isn’t just good for public relations — it’s good for business. A skilled and stable workforce benefits everyone, reducing strain on contractors, mitigating risks for facility owners, and ensuring safety and compliance for end-users.
The Path Forward
Technician training and recruitment will become increasingly critical as the industry transitions from HFC refrigerants. Skilled labor is the backbone of service reliability, energy efficiency, and emissions compliance.
Businesses that engage in and support technician training today are setting themselves up for long-term success and positioning themselves as leaders. They’ll be better equipped to adapt to evolving technologies, meet regulatory standards, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing market.
The message is clear: technician training and recruitment are strategic investments that will shape the future of the refrigeration industry.
R-TRADE provides necessary solutions that benefit every sector of the refrigeration industry. By fostering a skilled technician workforce, this program meets the 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 sector. For more information about the many solutions the program offers, visit rtrade.org.
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