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Commission hears proposal to host natural refrigerant training summit targeting technicians and youth
Summary
Commission members discussed involvement in a North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council summit to train technicians on natural refrigerants such as CO2 and propane and to build a regional workforce pipeline.
Members heard a presentation about a proposed North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (referred to in the meeting as "NASCAR") training summit for refrigeration technicians focused on low global-warming-potential refrigerants, including CO2 and propane.
Julie Noble said Michael Helm has discussed bringing a natural refrigerant training summit to the Hudson Valley region and possibly partnering with Kingston because the city is launching a related program. Noble said the summit includes hands-on demonstrations that require specialist equipment (a heavy refrigeration rig that may weigh multiple thousands of pounds), training sessions led by manufacturers and industry experts, and a youth component to introduce students to refrigeration careers.
The commission discussed promoting the summit to local businesses and workforce partners, and suggested connecting the event to the Chamber of Commerce and workforce development partners to reach small grocers and other businesses that will need technicians during a transition off high global-warming-potential refrigerants. Noble said the summit organizers expect several hundred participants at a full event, and that certification opportunities would be available for technicians.
Ending: Commission members asked staff to stay involved in early planning and to consider promoting the training as part of local workforce development and the consultant's recommendations for certifying city staff and regional technicians.
