Hello r/refrigeration users, I posted this earlier in the HVAC thread, and on of the users recommended i cross post it here. TIA
I own some restaurants in the midwest, and we’ve expanded to the point where our refrigeration needs are basically a full time job (maintenance, repair, installation of new units, etc). We have 11 restaurants full of commercial restaurant refrigeration of various types/ages/makes/models. This is not a franchise situation where it’s the same setup cut-and-pasted to different locations. Each of our stores serve different menus and are open different hours. We’ve tried a couple different solutions over the years including: 1.) maintenance contracts with a couple different service providers 2.) DIY maintenance (vacuuming compressors, cleaning coils) and then calling a repair company something breaks 3.) paying a retainer to a service company we like so that we get certain repair techs who know our gear as well as priority scheduling 4.) leaning on replacement instead of repairs Unfortunately I haven’t been satisfied with the results of any of these approaches. My managers are (rightfully) getting frustrated with equipment failures and having to hit the panic button to get everything moved out of a failed unit so as not to lose a bunch of product. Here’s my question: Where do I send a willing employee to get training in the repair of commercial refrigeration? I have a really great general maintenance person. No particular certifications in craft trades, but has a great mechanical mind, is good with troubleshooting, and is well liked by our store managers. On her own accord, she asked about learning how to repair our refrigeration. I’m all for the plan, I’m will to pay for her schooling, and pay her an hourly wage to attend part time while she continues working her job with us. She’s excited about the idea and so am I. My issue is that I can’t find a legitimate school/program/training course for her to enroll. The local community college has a program and I emailed with the department head, he flat out told me they focus almost exclusively on residential systems which makes sense. The big national manufacturers seem to have 2-3 day trainings but they seem to be very specific to whatever new models they have (again, makes sense). When I google I see these advertisements for “learn HVAC-r in 6 months online” which seems inadequate and also a bit scam-y. So I’m really scratching my head. We don’t have an existing tech with 20 years of experience for her to apprentice with, so that’s not really an option. She has an EPA 209 certificate from working in a body shop previously, but we know she needs get a 608. Sorry for the novel here, but any thoughts you folks have would be appreciated. Thanks!
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