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In this episode, we're talking about commercial refrigeration trends and technician realities in the UK/Europe versus North America with UK-based Refrigeration Consultant, Brian Churchyard. We cover the transition to CO2 transcritical, as well as skilled-trades shortages, wage and workload pressures, and the need for continual upskilling across service, maintenance, design, installation, and commissioning sectors of refrigeration. Brian also shares some hands-on fundamentals and things for new technicians to be excited about. This episode was recorded live at the 2026 AHR Expo.

In this episode, we discuss:

(0:51) Brian's Journey: From Service Engineer to Supermarket Head of Engineering

(3:30) Refrigeration Trends in Europe

(6:01) A2L Safety, Flammability Context & Design Risk Mitigation

(10:48) Upskilling for the Low-Carbon Transition

(11:24) The Skilled Trades Shortage

(14:55) Pay, Workload & Market Pressures

(17:03) Attracting New Refrigeration Professionals

(18:54) Building Strong Refrigeration Techs Faster

(20:06) Customer Relationships and Clear Communication

(22:54) Refrigeration Controls

(23:33) Omega Solutions Now Data

(31:08) Refrigeration Industry Outlook

(34:27) Advice for New Refrigeration Technicians

Helpful Links & Resources:

Omega Solutions Now Data

Episode 374. Growing the Refrigeration Industry Globally with World Refrigeration Day Founder, Steve Gill

Episode 285. CO2 Experts: Transitioning to CO2 as a Service Technician Q & A with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 340. Basics of CO2 Controls with Kevin Mullis (Part 1 of 4)