ATF – Associazione dei Tecnici Italiani del Freddo hosted in Casale Monferrato an international delegation of 11 Asian women trainers from the RAC sector, as part of a UNEP-promoted Train-the-Trainers programme dedicated to good practices in refrigeration and air conditioning, F-Gas management and the safe use of natural refrigerants. The course, which took place at the main headquarters of Centro Studi Galileo, was delivered by trainers Antonio Fierro and Roberto Ferraris and coordinated by Silvia Romanò.
The initiative brought together participants from several countries in Asia and the Himalayan region: four professionals from Bangladesh, one from the Maldives, one from Bhutan, two from China, two from Mongolia and one from Nepal. Sonja Wagner, Programme Management Officer at UNEP, was also present, confirming the international relevance of the programme and its inclusion in the broader framework of capacity-building activities supporting the transition of the RACHP sector. It was the first course organised in this format, representing a fundamental step forward both for gender equality in the sector and for the promotion of cooling culture in the regions involved.
The course was opened by Marco Buoni, Secretary General of ATF, who underlined the strategic role of training trainers in strengthening national technical skills. At a time when the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector is facing new rules, new refrigerants and increasingly stringent safety requirements, the preparation of qualified trainers and assessors represents one of the most effective tools to support the development of solid, consistent and recognised certification systems.
The initiative also took on particular significance due to its entirely female participation. The presence of a delegation made up of international women professionals confirmed the growing role of “Women in Cooling” in training, certification and skills development pathways. In a sector historically marked by a clear male prevalence, strengthening women’s participation represents an element of innovation and inclusion, as well as a fundamental resource for the growth of the industry.
The five-day programme included four days of technical and methodological refresher training and a final day dedicated to assessment. The objective was to provide national trainers with the technical, regulatory and pedagogical skills needed to contribute to the certification of RAC professionals within national and international frameworks.
The first day was dedicated to the relationship between certification, regulation and environmental responsibility. The programme addressed the role of certification in promoting safety, environmental protection and professionalisation of the sector. Significant attention was devoted to the integration of climate objectives, energy efficiency and professional qualification systems.
A specific focus concerned the environmental impact of refrigerants and the transition towards environmentally friendly solutions, including HFOs, hydrocarbons, CO₂ and ammonia. The day also included activities on installation and piping best practices, with in-depth sessions on leak-tight system design, vibration reduction, thermal expansion, brazing, flaring, nitrogen pressure testing, vacuum procedures, insulation checks and post-intervention inspections.
The second day was dedicated to technical skills and operational practice. Emerging technologies and market readiness for the adoption of alternative refrigerants were examined, with particular attention to the safe handling of flammable fluids such as R290 and R600a. The day included guided exercises, analysis of main components — compressors, condensers, evaporators and expansion devices — and activities focused on maintenance, fault diagnosis, leak detection and the correct management of recovery, evacuation and charging operations. Particular attention was also paid to the use of calibrated tools, personal protective equipment and procedures to limit emissions.
The third day focused on the development of national certification systems. The programme explored the construction of schemes aligned with international good practices, the definition of occupational standards, and the role of institutions, associations and certification bodies. Assessment methodologies, both theoretical and practical, were also analysed, with attention to question calibration, practical test design, competency-based evaluation criteria, safety, proper tool use and the technician’s decision-making ability.
The fourth day addressed the teaching and methodological aspects of the Train-the-Trainers approach. Participants worked on learning techniques for adults already active in the RAC sector, the organisation of guided demonstrations, the integration of safety and energy efficiency principles into lesson plans and the delivery of competency-based training pathways. Simulations, roleplay, assessment exercises, the use of checklists and scoring sheets, peer review activities and moments of discussion among the participants were also included.
The fifth day was dedicated to the final assessment, with a theoretical and a practical test aimed at verifying the skills acquired during the programme. This stage represented an essential component of the course, as it directly linked training to the actual ability to assess and certify sector professionals within their respective national contexts.
The programme hosted in Casale Monferrato confirmed the role of training as a central driver of the RACHP sector’s transition. The progressive reduction of HFCs, the introduction of alternative refrigerants, the increase in safety requirements and the need to improve the energy efficiency of systems require a new generation of trainers, technicians and assessors capable of transferring solid, up-to-date skills that can be applied directly in the field.
One of the main purposes of this and many other projects was to promote the widespread and cohesive dissemination of knowledge, with the aim of developing training and certification programmes that are increasingly aligned at global level.
