Real Alternatives will hold its 2026 Train-the-Trainers programme from 16 to 20 November at Aeres Tech in Ede, the Netherlands. The advanced course is intended for trainers in the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sectors, with a focus on low-GWP refrigerants, safe working practices and European legislation.
Organised with Aeres Tech and the Associazione Tecnici del Freddo, the five-day programme will include two days on flammable refrigerants, two days on CO2 and one day on NH3. Training will focus on harmonising teaching methods and promoting a common approach to the safe handling of alternative refrigerants.
Available in 20 languages, the course is designed to help the consortium’s 27 partners and participating countries support mandatory certification schemes for technicians working with HFC/HFO and alternative refrigerants, including hydrocarbons, CO2 and ammonia. It also aims to improve consistency in training and certification across Europe and support mutual recognition of qualifications.
The 2026 programme will include the first joint training event with the SKILLSAFE EU project, which focuses on skills for the safe installation of R290 heat pumps. The collaboration also includes integrating the SKILLSAFE EU training module into the Real Alternatives e-learning platform.
A Real Alternatives Stakeholder Meeting will take place on the morning of 16 November. Registration for the programme remains open until 18 September 2026, with further information available from info@realalternatives.eu.
