Refrigeration Maritime Working Group
Education Pathways in Alaska
Overview and Recommendations from Refrigeration Working Group
PURPOSE
This initial effort is to meet the Alaska Maritime Industry Advisory Committee’s end of January target
date to identify gaps that may be significant enough to warrant applying for grant funds, early in
2015. We’ve started by conducting an assessment of Refrigeration trainings at AVTEC and UA.
The Refrigeration Snapshot Matrix. in a separate document, identifies the AVTEC and UA
refrigeration classes/trainings available. Regional Training Centers and other community campuses
also have a role to play in helping to provide refrigeration skill development opportunities, and will
be identified as the working group efforts moves forward.
Models or Methods of delivering coursework
Currently there are three primary education delivery models to gain refrigeration skills.
1) Concentrated (primarily AVTEC)
2) Conventional post-secondary model, e.g. semester (primarily UAA-Mat Su; also UASKetchikan, perhaps Charter College)
3) On-site workshops (both AVTEC and Mat-Su can provide)
Regional Training Centers and community campuses – can provide some of the foundational classes
needed for refrigeration course work.
1) SAVEC – Marine Refrigeration: Troubleshooting & Repair Certificate of Completion
2) NACTEC –
3) Others
Timing matters; those employed and maritime (fish-focused) employers want trainings available
during Oct-Dec timeframes.
Context






Requires commitments from both service delivery providers and employers/industry.
Recognize cost-effectiveness is key.
o If changes to delivery system(s) are required to more effectively meet employers’
needs, service providers and employers will have to work together and ensure
changes create better results and outcomes. Service providers are especially focused
on the need to be cost effective, as public budgets in Alaska are contracting.
o Shorter, 2-3 week basic classes that are less costly courses to develop and deliver
(cost of registration fee) can be provided and can build on each other as required to
develop the desired skills.
Current refrigeration training offerings are not full.
Creating new trainings is expensive, and given that current offerings aren’t full, concerned
that the need does not exist.
Discussions about more effective marketing or information about already existing programs
should be conducted before making changes to programs, as service delivery program
changes are expensive.
Instructors should be given more time to attend job fairs to inform students of the
opportunities. They can also be effective in promoting other vocational programs.
1
 There are currently four (4) refrigeration pathways to employment/careers in refrigeration
are identified later in this document.
Training Assessment
The Refrigeration Snapshot Matrix identifies courses offered by AVTEC and UA. Education pathways below are
organized by employers/industries, as identified in the Alaska Maritime Workforce Development Plan.
Options for Potential Use of New Funds
1) Create and utilize cohorts as an effective learning and service delivery model.
 SAVEC representatives encouraged using cohort models, as this is important for those from
rural Alaska. Suggested working with CDQ’s to help create and support students through
their scholarship programs.
 The target number of students in a cohort is 5-12, whether going through a concentrated or
semester model program.
 A cohort model, structured and marketed effectively, can provide industry/employers with a
programmatic approach to meet their need for skilled refrigeration personnel available for
employment. There should be certification levels that go with the training. (refrigeration
technician level 1, 2, etc. possibly leading or contributing to an associates degree or
journeyman’s license).
 Employers’ commitments are critically needed to ensure opportunities for on-the-job
applications and learning.
o Experience is key to creating a competent technician/journeyman; training/education
alone is insufficient.
2) Employers and contractors should create a training matrix that fits their needs, which then can
inform training service providers.
 For example if contractors would define if a 2-3 week basic refrigeration class followed by
additional skills such as ammonia, marine refrigeration, commercial refrigeration, ice
machines, installation practices including oxy-acetylene torch use and brazing, container
vans, etc. would be useful.
3) Create and coordinate an apprenticeship program, including employers’ commitments to use. This
includes on-the-job training, job-shadowing/ride-a-longs and mentoring, programs. For those
in/from rural areas this would be very useful.
 Integrate on-the-job training and/or apprenticeships with classroom/lab work to provide
additional structured and applied learning opportunities.
 A possible pilot model is to incentivize training through job opportunities and / or scholarship
support by employers/industry. Employers could implement training programs that partner
with training institutions to first provide training.
 Current apprenticeship pays for in-state training, but not for out-of-state more
advanced/specialized training, which would be very helpful.
 A structured/qualified apprenticeship program exists for Alaska. (Lower-48 apprenticeship
programs should also be evaluated as a model in Alaska.)
 Some management and administration is required to support an apprenticeship.
Administration for apprenticeships, in particular if funding support from the state/federal
programs through the Alaska Dept. of Labor are used, requires paperwork administration.
This is likely key to get contractors and prospective technicians interested in apprenticeships,
if funds through DOL were available and advertised.
2

An alternative to a “qualified” apprenticeship is for an employer to offer through its
organization the opportunity for training, and pay for that training or reimburse employees
upon successful completion of the training. Employees may be working full time too, or may
be attending classes/learning full-time.
o This is a model currently being used, where the employees are working full-time and
taking evening courses at Mat Su. Note: This is a non-maritime employer. JTPA
funds for matching contractors entry-level wages would make having apprentices
more appealing.
4) Create scholarships to support specific skill areas the marine sector wants to develop.
 Work with service providers to create scoring and candidate application and scoring
procedures to ensure candidates are well suited for a particular course of study.
5) Create hybrid distance training/on-site lab model for ‘fundamentals of refrigeration’. Deliver as part
of high school curriculum or to those interested, working individuals – usually those with a
construction background who are ready for a career change. Value – target population is scattered
throughout state and this model could make attracting them into post-secondary training programs
more effective. It’s estimated to develop this hybrid model would be ~ 200 hours of development
effort, plus time to coordinate with high schools to integrate with career pathways and be
promoted by counselors.
6) Address on-site delivery needs in smaller/remote communities.
 Specific to refrigeration, to deliver courses on-site, industry/employer partnerships are
required.
 Industry/employers need to provide “lab” space and likely conference room space too.
 It’s likely that a room not typically used for either of these purposes can be
transformed for short-term use.
 Conversations between local industry/employers and trainers is needed.
 Equipment needs to expand capacity are specific needs at certain locales/campuses.
 Working with local businesses and industry to define what their needs are and what
trainings would address takes coordination effort.
 Local business organizations – especially in coastal communities – can play a
critical role to support this effort. Working with local chambers of commerce is
suggested.
7) Develop and implement a marine refrigeration marketing strategy.
 To more effectively identify who potential students are, what training is required by
employers, and how to communicate opportunities to them (advertising, including job
fairs). Currently, many students come from trade jobs, but not happy – sheet rockers,
roofers. Finding already working potential students is much different than targeting
high school age.
 To help address the geographic vastness of Alaska, initiate discussions to identify
strategies to “train the trainers” that will result in an increased capacity to teach and
train for maritime (refrigeration) employment in Alaska.
 To identify a training delivery system for communities that don’t currently have
instructors, but have a need. This system includes scheduling, marketing and
partnering with those already in the community, required minimum number of class
participants, registration fee(s), and accommodations for trainers.
 See Address on-site delivery needs in smaller/remote communities above.
3
8) Review and better understand out-of-state refrigeration/maritime programs, such as those at
Cal Maritime and Kings Point.
 Two students per year can be accepted at Kings Point based on nomination from one of
the Alaska federal delegation members. This opportunity should be publicized and
supported by the maritime sector.
9) Job readiness awareness and skills are needed.
Although not a refrigeration skill, this is a necessary skill element for potential employees.
4
PATH 1
Target Employers: Cold Storage, Large Restaurants, Grocers, and Other Support Services
Target Marine Occupations: Plant operators, Refrigeration repair/service technicians, Refrigeration engineers
Primary Refrigeration
Systems
Non-refrigeration
credentials/education
requirements to meet
Maritime sector WFD
needs
Basic Credentials
required
Freon
Type 1 and 2 Systems
None
Recommended
training required for
entry level position
Experience and
Credentials needed as
technician
Experience and
credentials usually
needed for
journeyman
4-month certificate from AVTEC or 8 credits from Mat-Su; or as needed by employer
ICE certification (Industry Competency Exam – administered by NATE) + EPA 608 cert,
and ESCO certification for electrical competencies. (no experience required)
Entry-level qualifications/training + 2 years experience, documented.
EPA Section 608 Universal Certified
Entry-level qualifications/training 4-month certificate + NATE (North American Technician
Excellence) certification + ~6,000 hours experience.
Training Classes and Proposed Sequencing
Foundational Coursework
Course work in all 6 areas listed is recommended.
Available in High Schools, Regional Training Centers (meg needs to do more homework on), or other continuing
education classes.
1. Good math skills – through Algebra 1
2. Reading comprehension
3. One or more basic mechanical skills: plumbing, electrical, automotive, etc. (also available at AVTEC)
4. Physics or Chemistry
5. Construction safety
6. Drivers education
SAVEC: Marine (RSW) Refrigeration: Troubleshooting & Repair Certificate of Completion (3 days)
Overview Courses
Qualifies Students to work on their own equipment and to more effectively communicate with service technicians
to ensure technicians bring correct parts/tools to fix a problem, and reduce downtime.
3-Week Refrigeration Course: Available at AVTEC annually in fall and on-location if equipment is available.
Systems: Freon, RSW, Ammonia. Certs: EPA Section 608 certification testing is included as part of the 3-week
course.
OR
2-Credit Refrigeration Course: Offered at UAS-Ketchikan beginning 2015 January.
Entry-Level Technician
5
Qualifies students for entry-level refrigeration positions.
4-Month Refrigeration Course, includes Freon, RSW and intro to Ammonia systems: Available at AVTEC semiannually. Certs: EPA Section 608 certification testing is included as part of the 4-month course, plus AVTEC
Certificate.
OR
4-Credit Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Fundamentals: Available at Mat-Su (semester class) and
4-Credit Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Available at Mat-Su (semester class)
Certs: EPA Section 608 testing, and ICE certification for Commercial Refrigeration are included in this class (certs
are not part of Fundamentals class)
If specialize, then also need:
Commercial and Ammonia Refrigeration: Available at Mat-Su (semester class)
Ammonia Maritime – Delivered as needed/concentrated program
Qualifies Student for entry-level ammonia repair.
Delivered at Mat-Su or on site.
Timing: As needed using a 40-hour workshop structure.
*Minimum Pre-requisites: AVTEC’s 4-month concentrated class or Mat-Su’s 8 credits sequence.
6
PATH 2
Target Employers: Independent Boat Owners, Harvesters, Tenders & Boat Service and Repair Businesses
Target Marine Occupations: Commercial Fishermen, Tender Operators
Primary Refrigeration
Refrigerated Seawater
Systems
Non-refrigeration
None (at this time)
credentials/education
requirements to meet
Maritime sector WFD
needs
Credentials/Education
EPA Section 608 Universal Certified
required
Recommended
4-month certificate from AVTEC or 8 credits from Mat-Su; or as needed by employer
training required for
ICE certification (Industry Competency Exam – administered by NATE) + EPA 608 cert,
entry level position
and ESCO certification for electrical competencies (no experience required)
Experience and
Entry-level qualifications/training + 2 years experience, documented.
Credentials needed as
technician
Experience and
Entry-level qualifications/training 4-month certificate + NATE (North American Technician
credentials usually
Excellence) certification + ~6,000 hours experience.
needed for
Identify a certifying organization to provide a standard for the AK Maritime WFD effort.
journeyman
Training Classes and Proposed Sequencing
Foundational Coursework
Course work in all 6 areas listed is recommended.
Available in High Schools, Regional Training Centers (meg needs to do more homework on), or other continuing
education classes.
1. Good math skills – through Algebra 1
2. Reading comprehension
3. One or more basic mechanical skills: plumbing, electrical, automotive, etc. (also available at AVTEC)
4. Physics or Chemistry
5. Construction safety
6. Drivers education
SAVEC: Marine (RSW) Refrigeration: Troubleshooting & Repair Certificate of Completion (3 days)
Overview Courses
Qualifies Students to work on their own equipment and to more effectively communicate with service technicians to
ensure technicians bring correct parts/tools to fix a problem, and reduce downtime.
3-Week Refrigeration Course: Available at AVTEC annually in fall and on-location if equipment is available.
Systems: Freon, RSW, Ammonia. Certs: EPA Section 608 certification testing is included as part of the 3-week
course.
OR
2-Credit Refrigeration Course: Offered at UAS-Ketchikan beginning 2015 January.
7
Entry-Level Technician
Qualifies students for entry-level refrigeration positions.
4-Month Refrigeration Course, includes Freon, RSW and intro to Ammonia systems: Available at AVTEC semiannually. Certs: EPA Section 608 certification testing is included as part of the 4-month course, plus AVTEC
Certificate.
OR
4-Credit Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Fundamentals: Available at Mat-Su (semester class) and
4-Credit Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Available at Mat-Su (semester class)
Certs: EPA Section 608 testing, and ICE certification for Commercial Refrigeration are included in this class (certs
are not part of Fundamentals class)
If specialize then also need:
Commercial and Ammonia Refrigeration: Available at Mat-Su (semester class)
Ammonia Maritime – Delivered as needed/concentrated program
Qualifies Student for entry-level ammonia repair
Delivered at Mat-Su or on site.
Timing: As needed using a 40-hour workshop structure.
*Minimum Pre-requisites: AVTEC’s 4-month concentrated class or Mat-Su’s 8 credits sequence.
8
PATH 3
Target Employers: On-Shore Seafood Processing Plants
Target Marine Occupations: Refrigeration engineer, Industrial refrigeration operator
Primary Refrigeration
Systems
Non-refrigeration
credentials/education
requirements to meet
Maritime sector WFD
needs
Ammonia
Basic Credentials
required
EPA Section 608 Universal Certified
Refrigeration Engineers and Technicians Assoc. certificate (CARO and CIRO)
ESCO certification for electrical competencies
2-year certificate degree in refrigeration/HVAC systems, or equivalent
4-month certificate from AVTEC or 8 credits from Mat-Su; or as needed by employer
ICE certification (Industry Competency Exam – administered by NATE) +
EPA 608 cert (no experience required)
Entry-level qualifications/training + 2 years experience, documented.
1. Process Safety Management Certification (if working in a plant with over 10,000
lbs ammonia)
Safety Training – 40 hours for first year operator.
Class should be developed by including information about the following standards
and guidances to ensure students fully understand safety hazards and liabilities:
o Process Safety Management certification
o OSHA training standards via the International Institute of Ammonia
Refrigeration
o Refrigeration Engineers and Technicians Association certification preferred
o EPA – RMP (Risk Management)
2. OSHA training standards that meet the Int’l Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration
requirements (testing by Institute required?)
Recommended
training required for
entry level position
Experience and
Credentials needed as
technician
Experience and
Entry-level qualifications/training 4-month certificate + NATE (North American Technician
credentials usually
Excellence) certification + ~6,000 hours experience.
needed for
journeyman
Identify a certifying organization to provide a standard for the AK Maritime WFD effort.
Training Classes and Proposed Sequencing
Foundational Coursework
Course work in all 6 areas listed is recommended.
Available in High Schools, Regional Training Centers (meg needs to do more homework on), or other continuing
education classes.
1. Good math skills – through Algebra 1
2. Reading comprehension
3. One or more basic mechanical skills: plumbing, electrical, automotive, etc. (also available at AVTEC)
4. Physics or Chemistry
5. Construction safety
6. Drivers education
SAVEC: Marine (RSW) Refrigeration: Troubleshooting & Repair Certificate of Completion (3 days)
9
Overview Courses
Qualifies Students to work on their own equipment and to more effectively communicate with service technicians
to ensure technicians bring correct parts/tools to fix a problem, and reduce downtime.
3-Week Refrigeration Course: Available at AVTEC annually in fall and on-location if equipment is available.
Systems: Freon, RSW, Ammonia. Certs: EPA Section 608 certification testing is included as part of the 3-week
course.
OR
2-Credit Refrigeration Course: Offered at UAS-Ketchikan beginning 2015 January.
Entry-Level Technician
Qualifies students for entry-level refrigeration positions.
4-Month Refrigeration Course, includes Freon, RSW and intro to Ammonia systems: Available at AVTEC semiannually. Certs: EPA Section 608 certification testing is included as part of the 4-month course, plus AVTEC
Certificate.
OR
4-Credit Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Fundamentals: Available at Mat-Su (semester class) and
4-Credit Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Available at Mat-Su (semester class)
Certs: EPA Section 608 testing, and ICE certification for Commercial Refrigeration are included in this class (certs
are not part of Fundamentals class)
If specialize then also need:
Commercial and Ammonia Refrigeration: Available at Mat-Su (semester class)
Ammonia Maritime – Delivered as needed/concentrated program
Qualifies Student for entry-level ammonia repair.
Delivered at Mat-Su or on site.
Timing: As needed using a 40-hour workshop structure.
*Minimum Pre-requisites: AVTEC’s 4-month concentrated class or Mat-Su’s 8 credits sequence.
PATH 4
Target Employers: At-Sea Seafood Processing Plants, Cargo Shipping, Boat/Shipbuilding
Target Marine Occupations: Refrigeration engineer, Designated Duty Engineer (DDE- USCG licensed)
10
Primary Refrigeration
Systems
Non-refrigeration
credentials/education
requirements to meet
Maritime sector WFD
needs
Ammonia
Safety and operational requirements for employment on an at-sea vessel
1. Process Safety Management Certification (if working in a plant with over
10,000 lbs ammonia)
Safety Training – 40 hours for first year operator.
Class should be developed by including information about the following
standards
and guidances to ensure students fully understand safety hazards and liabilities:
o Process Safety Management certification
o OSHA training standards via the International Institute of Ammonia
Refrigeration
o Refrigeration Engineers and Technicians Association certification preferred
o EPA – RMP (Risk Management)
1. OSHA training standards that meet the Int’l Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration
requirements (testing by Institute required?)
2. QMED Electrician, Refrigeration or Engineer endorsement/license by USCG
USCG DDE’s are at 1k, 3k and unlimited levels
Basic Credentials
EPA Section 608 Universal Certified
required
Refrigeration Engineers and Technicians Assoc. certificate (2-3 levels)
2-year certificate degree in refrigeration/HVAC systems (or equivalent)
Recommended
4-month certificate from AVTEC or 8 credits from Mat-Su; or as needed by employer
training required for
ICE certification (Industry Competency Exam – administered by NATE) +
entry level position
EPA 608 cert (no experience required)
Experience and
Entry-level qualifications/training + 2 years experience, documented.
Credentials needed as Unlicensed (no QMED)
technician
Experience and
Entry-level qualifications/training 4-month certificate + NATE (North American
credentials usually
Technician Excellence) certification + ~6,000 hours experience.
needed for
ARTA or equivalent…
journeyman
Identify a certifying organization to provide a standard for the AK Maritime WFD
effort.
Training Classes and Proposed Sequencing
Foundational Coursework
Course work in all 6 areas listed is recommended.
Available in High Schools, Regional Training Centers (meg needs to do more homework on), or other
continuing education classes.
1. Good math skills – through Algebra 1
2. Reading comprehension
3. One or more basic mechanical skills: plumbing, electrical, automotive, etc. (also available at AVTEC)
4. Physics or Chemistry
5. Construction safety
6. Drivers education
SAVEC: Marine (RSW) Refrigeration: Troubleshooting & Repair Certificate of Completion (3 days)
Overview Courses
Qualifies Students to work on their own equipment and to more effectively communicate with service
technicians to ensure technicians bring correct parts/tools to fix a problem, and reduce downtime.
3-Week Refrigeration Course: Available at AVTEC annually in fall and on-location if equipment is available.
Systems: Freon, RSW, Ammonia. Certs: EPA Section 608 certification testing is included as part of the 3week course.
11
OR
2-Credit Refrigeration Course: Offered at UAS-Ketchikan beginning 2015 January.
Entry-Level Technician
Qualifies students for entry-level refrigeration positions.
4-Month Refrigeration Course, includes Freon, RSW and intro to Ammonia systems: Available at AVTEC semiannually. Certs: EPA Section 608 certification testing is included as part of the 4-month course, plus AVTEC
Certificate.
OR
4-Credit Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Fundamentals: Available at Mat-Su (semester class) and
4-Credit Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Available at Mat-Su (semester class)
Certs: EPA Section 608 testing, and ICE certification for Commercial Refrigeration are included in this class
(certs are not part of Fundamentals class)
If specialize then also need:
Commercial and Ammonia Refrigeration: Available at Mat-Su (semester class)
Ammonia Maritime – Delivered as needed/concentrated program
Qualifies Student for entry-level ammonia repair.
Delivered at Mat-Su or on site.
Timing: As needed using a 40-hour workshop structure.
*Minimum Pre-requisites: AVTEC’s 4-month concentrated class or Mat-Su’s 8 credits sequence.
12