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

<p>What does it really take to prepare the next generation of HVACR technicians for the field?</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>We also dig into:</p><p>• Why HVACR theory still matters before touching the equipment<br />• Teaching troubleshooting instead of just memorizing procedures<br />• Why AIRFLOW needs more attention in HVACR training<br />• Why gauges shouldn't always be the first tool out of the bag<br />• Analog gauges vs. digital manifolds and probes<br />• Using technology without letting it replace actual understanding<br />• Building confidence in new technicians<br />• Why soft skills and customer service are critical to a technician's success<br />• What employers should realistically expect from new graduates<br />• Getting manufacturers and contractors more involved with trade schools<br />• Why instructors need to stay connected to the field<br />• The strengths—and challenges—of the next generation of HVACR technicians<br />• ESCO, HVAC Excellence, and Matthew's CSME in Technical Education<br />• What Matthew wants his legacy as an instructor to ultimately be</p><p>One 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.</p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lemaster-3493653a3/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lemaster-3493653a3/</a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.escogroup.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.escogroup.org/</a></p><p><br /></p><p>🐍 THIS EPISODE IS SUPPORTED BY VIPER</p><p>Today'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.</p><p>Whether you're servicing HVAC, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment, check out Viper and the complete lineup from Refrigeration Technologies.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.refrigtech.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.refrigtech.com/</a></p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p>Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast, bringing together technicians, trainers, manufacturers, educators, and