Episode 202: Matthew Lemaster, Are We Preparing HVACR Techs for the Real World?

What does it really take to prepare the next generation of HVACR technicians for the field?This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Matthew LeMaster, HVACR instructor at the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College, to talk about what happens between the classroom and that first real service call.Matthew didn’t originally plan on becoming an instructor. After working in commercial HVAC and serving as a field supervisor, a phone call from one of his former instructors opened the door to teaching. Once he stepped into the classroom, he was hooked. Today, he helps lead a nationally accredited HVACR program focused on giving students more than just enough knowledge to pass a test.We get into the realities of HVACR education, including one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry: graduating from trade school doesn’t automatically make someone a fully independent service technician. Matthew explains why his goal is to get students roughly 85–90% of the way there, while internships, mentorship, employer training, and real-world experience finish the job.We also dig into:• Why HVACR theory still matters before touching the equipment• Teaching troubleshooting instead of just memorizing procedures• Why AIRFLOW needs more attention in HVACR training• Why gauges shouldn't always be the first tool out of the bag• Analog gauges vs. digital manifolds and probes• Using technology without letting it replace actual understanding• Building confidence in new technicians• Why soft skills and customer service are critical to a technician's success• What employers should realistically expect from new graduates• Getting manufacturers and contractors more involved with trade schools• Why instructors need to stay connected to the field• The strengths—and challenges—of the next generation of HVACR technicians• ESCO, HVAC Excellence, and Matthew's CSME in Technical Education• What Matthew wants his legacy as an instructor to ultimately beOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple: training technicians isn't just about refrigeration cycles, electrical troubleshooting, superheat, subcooling, airflow, or knowing how to use a meter. It's about developing technicians who can THINK, troubleshoot, communicate with customers, adapt to technology, and continue learning after they leave the classroom.Matthew also shares why he wants every student who comes through his program to know they were seen, heard, and supported—not treated like another number.https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lemaster-3493653a3/https://www.escogroup.org/🐍 THIS EPISODE IS SUPPORTED BY VIPERToday's episode is brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies. From coil cleaners and drain treatments to specialty chemicals designed for HVAC/R professionals, Viper products are built for technicians who need products that work in the real world.Whether you're servicing HVAC, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment, check out Viper and the complete lineup from Refrigeration Technologies.https://www.refrigtech.com/If you're an HVACR technician, instructor, contractor, service manager, trade school student, or anyone concerned about where the next generation of skilled trades professionals is coming from, this is a conversation worth hearing.Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast, bringing together technicians, trainers, manufacturers, educators, and industry leaders to have the conversations that move the skilled trades forward.👉 Subscribe and follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles so you don't miss an episode.https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/👍 If this episode brought you value, share it with another technician, instructor, student, or service manager.💬 What do YOU think HVACR programs and employers need to do differently to prepare the next generation of technicians? Drop your thoughts in the comments.