The program aims to address California’s shortage of qualified refrigeration technicians.
The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council, a nonprofit working to facilitate the transition to natural refrigerants, today announced the launch of the F-gas Reduction Incentive Program’s (FRIP) Workforce Development Initiative. Implemented by NASRC as the program’s third-party administrator selected through a competitive solicitation process, the initiative aims to accelerate California’s transition to ultra-low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants by addressing the statewide shortage of qualified refrigeration technicians.
Through this initiative, NASRC will deliver a comprehensive, statewide strategy to build a skilled, climate-ready workforce capable of supporting the design, installation and maintenance of ultra-low-GWP refrigeration systems. The program takes a holistic approach, strengthening school programs, expanding access to training equipment, supporting student recruitment and offering modern, industry-relevant training resources.
“A successful transition to ultra-low-GWP refrigerants is fully dependent on the success of the technician workforce who will install, service, and maintain these systems,” says Danielle Wright, NASRC executive director. “The FRIP Workforce Development Initiative is designed to tackle the workforce shortage from every angle, connecting education, industry and government to create sustainable, long-term solutions.”
The FRIP Workforce Development Initiative features several integrated programs that address key workforce barriers across California. As administrators, NASRC will:
- Strengthen R/HVAC school programs by hosting two faculty training events in Central and Northern California, and assist three to four schools in integrating ultra-low-GWP refrigerant curriculum into their programs by summer 2026.
- Facilitate industry partnerships and equipment grants to provide CO2 and R-290 systems, enabling hands-on learning and establishing one to two training sites by fall 2026.
- Promote careers in refrigeration by hosting two recruiting events, reaching at least 200 students, in December 2025 and April 2026.
- Facilitate broad access to foundational training in natural refrigerants to at least 300 California technicians by hosting two free training events by April 2026.
- Enhance technician proficiency in advanced refrigeration topics and regulatory compliance to at least 100 technicians through a free in-depth workshop on December 4, 2025, in Stockton, Calif.
- Provide a vendor-neutral, online CO2 training course providing 800 hours of flexible instruction for at least 100 technicians by January 2026.
- Curate a centralized online troubleshooting platform to host videos and resources co-developed with industry partners to enhance on-the-job skills and reduce system downtime.
“CARB recognizes that an investment in upskilling the workforce is critical to the success of the transition toward ultra-low-GWP technologies. Including contractors and technicians that service and install refrigeration systems throughout the State is integral to a zero-carbon future in California,” said Michael FitzGibbon, Branch Chief, Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Strategies Branch of the California Air Resources Board.
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