Eleven female refrigeration and air-conditioning professionals from six South Asian countries completed the International Training of Trainers Programme for RAC Certification Trainers and Assessors in Italy.
The five-day programme was organized by UNEP OzonAction under the Compliance Assistance Programme and hosted by the Italian Association of Refrigeration Technicians. Participants came from Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, the Maldives, Mongolia, and Nepal. The training was supported by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
The programme focused on RAC best practices, safe handling of fluorinated gases, and the transition to low-GWP natural refrigerants. It addressed capacity gaps in Article 5 countries related to high-quality training and competency-based certification systems, while also supporting the Multilateral Fund’s gender mainstreaming policy.
The curriculum combined theory and hands-on training. Topics included certification systems and assessment methods, environmental and safety aspects of refrigerants, energy-efficient technologies, installation and piping practices, leak prevention, pressure testing, evacuation, charging, and system performance monitoring. Practical exercises included brazing, recovery, vacuuming, and recharging refrigeration equipment.
Participants were offered the opportunity to take the EU F-Gas Certification examination, which is mandatory in the European Union for professionals handling fluorinated greenhouse gases in refrigeration and air-conditioning servicing. Ten participants passed both the theoretical and practical examinations and will receive official EU F-Gas certificates.
The agenda also included discussions on gender equality and women’s participation in the RAC sector. Sessions covered barriers such as limited access to technical training and certification, lack of mentorship and role models, inadequate workplace facilities, gender stereotypes, and non-inclusive working conditions, as well as networking and leadership pathways through initiatives including the International Network of Women in Cooling.