Inspiring the Next Generation of Ammonia Refrigeration Professionals | Blog No. 86
- Micah Hicks, Project Coordinator
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
I’m only 19 years old. I’ve been in the PSM and ammonia refrigeration industry for about a year and a half. In that short time, I’ve already noticed a recurring theme when talking with seasoned professionals: Where’s the next generation?
Many of the veterans I speak with share the same concern: how do we get younger people excited about ammonia refrigeration and process safety management? I’ve met some folks who have gotten their sons and daughters into the industry at an early age, and I think that’s incredible. Those kids are the future of this industry. But it raises an important question:
How can we make the next generation the best thing that’s ever happened to ammonia refrigeration and PSM?
Here are a couple of ideas that can help bridge the gap between today’s professionals and tomorrow’s leaders.
1. Create Extracurricular Learning Opportunities
Many small towns have a large food plant, beverage factory, or cold storage facility that employs a good chunk of the community. What if those facilities took an active role in inspiring the youth around them?
Why it matters: School-age kids are hungry for activities outside the classroom. If they get the chance to see something cool and hands-on, it can leave a lasting impression—and maybe even spark a lifelong career.
What it could look like:
Factory Learning Days – Partner with local schools to host field trips where kids learn the basics of the refrigeration cycle, see how compressors work, and understand the science behind keeping food safe.
STEM Nights & Workshops – Set up small, interactive stations that explain concepts in a fun way. Use simple demos, like clear tubing to show refrigerant flow, or thermal cameras to demonstrate heat transfer.
Summer “Cool Science” Programs – Offer a week-long summer program with activities for different age levels. Bring in engineers and techs to explain what they do day-to-day.
Why this works: Out of a group of curious students, you might find a handful who want to know more… and more. Fast forward a few years, and one of those kids might be your next lead ammonia tech or PSM coordinator. But you won’t know unless you reach out and spark that curiosity now.
So here’s the challenge: Go find those kids. Show them what you do. Make it exciting.
2. Engage with Your Local RETA Chapter
If you’re already in the industry, there’s an incredible resource sitting right in front of you: your local RETA chapter.
RETA (Refrigeration Engineers & Technicians Association) is a fantastic way to network, learn, and grow in the field. But for many chapters, attendance is mostly seasoned professionals. We need to change that.
What you can do:
Invite the new guys – If you work with someone fresh in the industry, personally invite them to the next RETA meeting.
Bring a friend – Know someone curious about refrigeration but not involved yet? Bring them along. It could be a coworker from another department, or even a local student who shows interest.
Volunteer or present – If you’ve got knowledge to share, give a talk. If you’re new, volunteer to help organize events. Being active helps keep chapters alive and welcoming to newcomers.
Why RETA matters: At RETA meetings, you’ll hear from experienced speakers on all sorts of refrigeration topics, from new technologies to troubleshooting tips. It’s also where mentorship happens naturally. Younger members need that—and the more welcoming we make it, the more they’ll want to stay and grow in the field.
So, What’s Next?
If you’re a plant manager, engineer, or ammonia tech, start small.
Reach out to your local school and see if they’d be interested in a plant tour.
Talk to your HR or leadership team about starting a simple outreach program.
Make it a personal goal to bring at least one new person to the next RETA meeting.
We can’t just wait for the next generation to “find” our industry. We have to go find them. We have to show them how rewarding and exciting this work can be.
Because here’s the truth: The future of ammonia refrigeration and PSM is only as strong as the people we inspire today.
So let’s inspire them—together.
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