The partnership focuses on improving access to training, supporting consistent safety standards across Europe, and helping the sector prepare for wider use of low-GWP refrigerants.

Real Alternatives is a long-running European programme covering alternative refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, CO2, ammonia and HFOs. It offers blended learning, practical assessments and certification, and is available in more than 20 languages. The scheme is used in over 20 countries and is widely recognised as a reference point for skills development in the HVACR sector.

SKILLSAFE EU brings specialist training on the safe handling of R290 heat pump systems. Originally delivered in person, this material will now be developed into a digital module and added to the Real Alternatives e-learning platform.

Integrating SKILLSAFE EU into the Real Alternatives system is expected to increase access to high-quality safety training, support consistent working practices across different markets and expand multilingual learning options for technicians.

Both organisations will also work on aligning their certification approaches to support wider European recognition of skills.

The first stage of the partnership will focus on adding SKILLSAFE’s R290 content to the Real Alternatives platform. Joint technical development and shared communication activities will follow.

More information is available from the Real Alternatives consortium at info@realalternatives.eu.