The Real Alternatives project and SKILLSAFE EU are pleased to announce the launch of a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing safety training for professionals working with flammable refrigerants, with a particular focus on R290 heat pump systems.

This joint initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting the safe and sustainable transition towards low-GWP refrigerants across Europe, by strengthening skills, improving accessibility to training, and promoting harmonised standards.

Building on an Established European Training Framework

Real Alternatives is a well-established European training and certification programme dedicated to alternative refrigerants, including hydrocarbons, CO₂, ammonia and HFOs. Developed by a consortium of industry associations, training institutes and international organisations, the programme provides a comprehensive blended learning approach combining e-learning, practical training, assessments and certification.

With training materials available in over 20 languages and implemented in more than 20 countries, Real Alternatives has become a recognised reference framework for skills development and certification in the HVACR sector across Europe. Within this context, the integration of SKILLSAFE EU represents a natural evolution of the platform.

Integrating SKILLSAFE EU into the Real Alternatives Ecosystem

SKILLSAFE EU has developed a specialised training programme focused on the safe handling and use of R290 heat pump systems. Initially developed to be delivered as a in-person course, the programme will be further developed into a digital learning module through its integration into the Real Alternatives e-learning platform.

This integration will enrich the existing training offer by adding dedicated safety content on flammable refrigerants, while leveraging an already structured and widely adopted learning environment.

Integration and Certification Alignment

By combining SKILLSAFE’s focused expertise on R290 safety with the established infrastructure of Real Alternatives, the initiative will:

• strengthen access to high-quality training resources
• support consistent safety practices across different markets
• enhance the availability of flexible, multilingual learning pathways

Next steps

The central component of the collaboration will be the integration of SKILLSAFE training materials into the Real Alternatives e-learning platform. In parallel, both projects will work towards aligning their certification approaches, with the objective of facilitating broader European recognition of acquired competences.

The partnership will also include joint technical development activities, as well as the creation of shared dissemination tools.