Free technician training debuts in New York, expanding NASRC’s national workforce efforts.

The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to facilitate the transition to natural refrigerants, has opened registration for all spring 2026 dates of the Natural Refrigerant Training Summit series.

Each free three-day event offers comprehensive, expert-led training for refrigeration technicians on CO2 and propane systems, an exhibit featuring the latest natural refrigerant technologies and a career fair for R/HVAC students to explore career opportunities, meet employers and network with technicians.

The spring season begins February 10 – 12 in Poughkeepsie, New York, marking the series’ debut in the state. Co-hosted with New Yorkers for Clean Power and Cornell Extension Smart Choices – Mid-Hudson, the event will feature foundational training on CO2 and propane systems. A half-day workshop on February 12 will focus on practical application methods and solutions.

“These events are about more than technology—they’re about people,” said Danielle Wright, NASRC executive director. “By bringing technicians, students and employers together for hands-on learning and connection, we’re strengthening the workforce needed to support the industry’s shift to natural refrigerants.”

Spring 2026 Training Summit Lineup

• February 10 – 12, 2026 – Poughkeepsie, New York
• March 10 – 12, 2026 – St. Louis, Missouri
• April 21 – 23, 2026 – Irwindale, California

In addition to the Training Summit events, NASRC will host a one-day CO2 transcritical booster systems workshop at the IIAR Natural Refrigerant Conference & Expo in San Antonio, Texas, on March 17. Led by NASRC Training Director Rusty Walker, the workshop will cover CO2 fundamentals, component functions, advanced controls and troubleshooting skills. Registration information is available at nasrc.org/rtrade/san-antonio-2026.

The 2025 – 26 season is free thanks to the generous support of Elite Sponsors Albertsons, Amazon, BITZER US, Costco, Kroger and Walmart.

The New York event is supported by funding provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The California event is supported by funding from the California Air Resources Board’s F-gas Reduction Incentive Program.

About the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC)

NASRC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to eliminate refrigeration’s environmental impacts by facilitating the transition to natural refrigerants. NASRC collaborates with stakeholders across the refrigeration industry, including 55,000+ food retail locations, to drive a sustainable workforce, facilitate funding opportunities and catalyze continuous improvement. Through its R-TRADE initiative, NASRC builds a skilled technician workforce to meet industry needs and support a sustainable, resilient future. For more information, visit nasrc.org, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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“By bringing technicians, students and employers together for hands-on learning and connection, we’re strengthening the workforce needed to support the industry’s shift to natural refrigerants.”