Real Alternatives and SKILLSAFE EU announced a collaboration on safety training for flammable refrigerants, centred on R290 heat pump systems, that will add SKILLSAFE EU material to the Real Alternatives e-learning platform and support work on certification alignment across Europe. The move expands training access for technicians and other HVACR professionals working with low-GWP refrigerants.
SKILLSAFE EU developed a specialised programme on the safe handling and use of R290 heat pump systems. The course was initially created for in-person delivery and is now set to be developed into a digital learning module through its integration into the Real Alternatives platform. That addition brings dedicated safety content on flammable refrigerants into an existing blended learning structure that already combines e-learning, practical training, assessments and certification.
Real Alternatives covers alternative refrigerants including hydrocarbons, CO2, NH3 and HFOs. The programme was developed by a consortium of industry associations, training institutes and international organisations, and its materials are available in more than 20 languages and used in more than 20 countries. This European footprint gives the new training content an established route into national markets and multilingual delivery.
The collaboration is also intended to connect SKILLSAFE EU’s R290 safety expertise with the wider Real Alternatives training framework. Both sides aim to strengthen access to training resources, support more consistent safety practices across different markets and widen the availability of flexible learning pathways for professionals who need training in local languages.
The next phase centres on integrating SKILLSAFE training materials into the Real Alternatives e-learning environment. In parallel, the two projects will work on aligning their certification approaches to support broader European recognition of acquired competences, while also carrying out joint technical development work and creating shared dissemination tools.
