What does it really take to prepare the next generation of HVACR technicians for the field?

This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Matthew LeMaster, HVACR instructor at the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College, to talk about what happens between the classroom and that first real service call.

Matthew didn’t originally plan on becoming an instructor. After working in commercial HVAC and serving as a field supervisor, a phone call from one of his former instructors opened the door to teaching. Once he stepped into the classroom, he was hooked. Today, he helps lead a nationally accredited HVACR program focused on giving students more than just enough knowledge to pass a test.

We get into the realities of HVACR education, including one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry: graduating from trade school doesn’t automatically make someone a fully independent service technician. Matthew explains why his goal is to get students roughly 85–90% of the way there, while internships, mentorship, employer training, and real-world experience finish the job.

We also dig into:

• Why HVACR theory still matters before touching the equipment
• Teaching troubleshooting instead of just memorizing procedures
• Why AIRFLOW needs more attention in HVACR training
• Why gauges shouldn't always be the first tool out of the bag
• Analog gauges vs. digital manifolds and probes
• Using technology without letting it replace actual understanding
• Building confidence in new technicians
• Why soft skills and customer service are critical to a technician's success
• What employers should realistically expect from new graduates
• Getting manufacturers and contractors more involved with trade schools
• Why instructors need to stay connected to the field
• The strengths—and challenges—of the next generation of HVACR technicians
• ESCO, HVAC Excellence, and Matthew's CSME in Technical Education
• What Matthew wants his legacy as an instructor to ultimately be

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple: training technicians isn't just about refrigeration cycles, electrical troubleshooting, superheat, subcooling, airflow, or knowing how to use a meter. It's about developing technicians who can THINK, troubleshoot, communicate with customers, adapt to technology, and continue learning after they leave the classroom.

Matthew also shares why he wants every student who comes through his program to know they were seen, heard, and supported—not treated like another number.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lemaster-3493653a3/

https://www.escogroup.org/

🐍 THIS EPISODE IS SUPPORTED BY VIPER

Today's episode is brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies. From coil cleaners and drain treatments to specialty chemicals designed for HVAC/R professionals, Viper products are built for technicians who need products that work in the real world.

Whether you're servicing HVAC, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment, check out Viper and the complete lineup from Refrigeration Technologies.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

If you're an HVACR technician, instructor, contractor, service manager, trade school student, or anyone concerned about where the next generation of skilled trades professionals is coming from, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast, bringing together technicians, trainers, manufacturers, educators, and industry leaders to have the conversations that move the skilled trades forward.

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💬 What do YOU think HVACR programs and employers need to do differently to prepare the next generation of technicians? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Commercial refrigeration is changing fast—but the fundamentals still matter.

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Chris Thomas of Heatcraft Refrigeration Products for a deep dive into refrigeration, technician training, troubleshooting, system charging, controls, and where the industry is headed.

Chris brings more than four decades of HVAC/R experience, from residential and commercial HVAC to chillers, supermarket rack refrigeration, technical training, field support, and his current role supporting technicians and products at Heatcraft.

We get into Heatcraft itself, including the history behind brands like Bohn, Larkin, Chandler, Climate Control, and Magna, along with the evolution of refrigeration controls from Beacon to today's intelliGen platform.

One of the biggest themes of this episode is something every technician needs to hear:

Understanding how equipment is SUPPOSED to operate is the foundation of troubleshooting it when something goes wrong.

Chris explains how modern controls can give technicians valuable system information before they arrive on site—including temperatures, superheat, operating conditions, and even the ability to initiate a defrost remotely. Technology isn't replacing the technician. It's giving a knowledgeable technician better information.

But technology can't replace fundamentals.

We talk about technician curiosity, asking WHY instead of simply looking for an answer, learning sequence of operation, reaching out for help, and investing as much into training as we invest into tools.

Then we get into a conversation guaranteed to get refrigeration technicians talking:

How should you actually charge a commercial refrigeration system?

Chris breaks down charging problems Heatcraft encounters in the field and why relying on shortcuts, rules of thumb, or a clear sight glass can send technicians in the wrong direction. We discuss receivers, line length, refrigerant differences, manufacturer charging information, and why system design and application matter.

We also talk about proper installation and maintenance. Even the best refrigeration equipment depends on correct sizing, installation, commissioning, service, and maintenance.

Throughout the conversation, Chris and Pat get into:

• Commercial refrigeration troubleshooting
• Heatcraft refrigeration equipment
• Bohn, Larkin, Chandler & other Heatcraft brands
• intelliGen refrigeration controls
• Walk-in cooler and freezer systems
• Refrigeration system charging
• Sight glasses and refrigerant charge
• Receivers and liquid-line considerations
• Superheat and subcooling
• System sizing and application
• OEM technical support
• Technician training and continuing education
• Analog vs. digital refrigeration tools
• Troubleshooting without jumping to conclusions
• Building strong fundamentals
• The future of commercial refrigeration

Whether you're a seasoned refrigeration technician, just getting started in HVAC/R, or responsible for training the next generation, there's something in this conversation for you.

The biggest takeaway?

Stay curious.

The technicians who keep asking questions, keep learning, understand the fundamentals, and aren't afraid to admit when they don't know something are the technicians who will be prepared for whatever refrigeration throws at us next.

https://www.heatcraftrpd.com/

Catch up with Chris Thomas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-thomas-8b12031b2/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast—built by technicians, for technicians.

If you work on commercial refrigeration, walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, restaurant equipment, HVAC/R, ice machines, cooking equipment, warewashing equipment, or foodservice equipment, follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles so you don't miss the next episode.

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