National training review seeks industry input on flammable refrigerant handling

VASA members are invited to contribute to a national review of training materials for handling flammable refrigerant gases, with a survey from the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) open until 5pm on Wednesday 31 December 2025.

The project is reviewing and updating key units of competency within AUR20220 Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology to ensure they reflect the skills and knowledge required to safely handle new and flammable refrigerants.

The review covers a range of units, including those for installing, servicing, diagnosing and retrofitting automotive air conditioning and HVAC systems, as well as refrigerant recovery and compressor overhaul.

VASA president Brett Meads is among the subject matter experts serving on the project’s Technical Committee, which also includes representatives from the Australian Refrigeration Council, TAFE NSW, TAFE Queensland, VACC, MTA Queensland and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The project commenced in October 2025 and is due for completion in September 2026.

Input from working technicians and workshop owners will help ensure the resulting training products are fit for purpose and meet current and future industry requirements.

For more information about the project, visit Handling Automotive Flammable Refrigerant Gases – Training Product Development.

To complete the survey, visit Handling Automotive Flammable Refrigerant Gases – Feedback.

AUSMASA is one of 10 Jobs and Skills Councils established by the Australian Government to ensure the VET sector delivers better outcomes for learners and employers.