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In this special episode, we're marking World Refrigeration Day (June 26) with a panel discussion on retaining skilled refrigeration tradespeople and the importance of mentoring the next generation. Panelists Aidan Lucey, Erik Holland, Andrew Freeburg, Patrick Gregory, and Noah Walker discuss what kept them in the trade early on, as well as what great mentorship looks like, the challenges apprentices face today, and rapidly increasing technology and information quality across the refrigeration industry.

In this conversaton, we discuss:

(00:44) Why Mentorship Matters In the Trades

(05:50) What Kept People in the Trade

(12:33) Defining Great Mentorship

(19:36) Challenges for Apprentices Today

(25:13) Training Under Pressure

(25:58) Technical Complexity and AI in the Trades

(26:58) Building Safe Learning Culture

(30:30) Mentorship Structures That Work

(33:39) Career Advice for Apprentices

(39:06) World Refrigeration Day Reflections

(40:01) Mentor Lessons You Can't Google

(45:57) Recruiting the Next Generation of Refrigeration Professionals

Helpful Links & Resources:

World Refrigeration Day

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

Episode 186: How To Attract Young People To The Refrigeration Trade With Rusty Walker

Aidan Lucey on LinkedIn

Erik Holland on LinkedIn

Andrew Freeburg on LinkedIn

Partick Gregory on LinkedIn