In Vocational Training
Where XR2ACH fits into dual vocational training, inter-company training (ÜLU) and F-gas certification – and what trainers say about it.
XR2ACH is aimed at the dual apprenticeship as a refrigeration mechatronics technician (Mechatroniker/-in für Kältetechnik) and the paths that build on it: master craftsman and technician schools, refresher training and compact courses for the F-gas certificates. All these paths share the same core refrigeration processes – exactly the processes XR2ACH makes trainable.
The field
Refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump technology ranges from commercial refrigeration (supermarkets, cold rooms, compound systems) through industrial refrigeration (cold stores, breweries, process cooling, often with ammonia or CO₂) to air-conditioning (split and VRF systems, data centres, ventilation systems) and heat pumps (air-to-water, brine-to-water, water-to-water, air-to-air).
As heat pumps scale up, two trades overlap: refrigeration system construction and plumbing, heating and air-conditioning (SHK). Refrigeration remains the technical benchmark – F-gas certification is part of the refrigeration apprenticeship, but not of the SHK apprenticeship.
Qualification paths
Refrigeration system construction
| Path | Qualification | F-gas certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Dual apprenticeship, refrigeration mechatronics technician (3.5 years, EQF/DQR 4) | Journeyman’s examination | A1 |
| Master craftsman in refrigeration; state-certified technician in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems | Advanced training | – |
| Compact courses for skilled workers from other trades | Certificate | A1, A2 |
| Compact courses for inspection, service and disposal staff | Certificate | D, E |
| Compact courses for holders of older refrigeration certificates (category I/II) | Certificate | B, flammable refrigerants |
Building services (plumbing, heating, air-conditioning – SHK)
| Path | Qualification | F-gas certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Dual apprenticeship, plant mechanic for plumbing, heating and air-conditioning | Journeyman’s examination | not included as standard |
| Compact courses for SHK specialists | Certificate | A1, A2 |
| SHK specialist for air-conditioning and heat-pump systems | Certificate course | A1 |
| Certified vocational specialist for renewable energy, SHK (from the InnoVET PLUS project ZukunftsHandwerk) | Advanced training, DQR 5 | A1 |
In the SHK trade, heat pumps take centre stage: the courses focus on installing them in residential buildings, alongside split air-conditioners. The same core refrigeration processes apply as in refrigeration system construction – tightness, evacuation, charging, commissioning.
Inter-company training (ÜLU)
The überbetriebliche Lehrunterweisung (ÜLU) adds mandatory practical courses to company training and vocational school – independent of any manufacturer, and required for admission to the journeyman’s examination. Since the 2024 reform it consists of eight courses totalling ten weeks: the basic course G-KK in the first year and courses KK1 to KK7 from the second year.
Training systems in the apprentice workshop of the Bundesfachschule Leonberg. The virtual systems in XR2ACH are modelled on them.
Journeyman’s examination system at the Bundesfachschule Leonberg – before, as separate parts, and after, fully assembled.
Where the scenarios fit
| Course | Pipework and brazing | Leak detection and leak testing | Service and commissioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-KK Joining and assembling components | Marking, cutting, deburring, bending, flaring; brazing in different working positions | Testing new joints for tightness with several methods | Routing lines, assembling components |
| KK1 Electrical and control engineering I | – | – | Connecting and testing control, switching and safety devices to the circuit diagram |
| KK2 Environmentally and health-compliant use of refrigerants | Insulation against condensation | Advanced methods of leak testing and leak detection | Evacuating, drying, recovering refrigerant |
| KK3 Installing, servicing and repairing systems | Selecting and mounting components, routing lines | Leak testing of the whole system, documented to legal standards | Commissioning, setting controllers, complete records |
| KK4 Electrical and control engineering II | – | – | Commissioning electric motors on three-phase supply; safety tests |
| KK5 Natural refrigerants | High-pressure lines for CO₂ | Tightness of CO₂ and propane systems; gas concentration in the room | Transcritical and subcritical operation, log p,h diagram |
| KK6 Air-conditioning systems | – | Tightness of ventilation and air-conditioning systems | Balancing, measuring operating values |
| KK7 Heat recovery and heat pumps | Installing heat pumps | Tightness, refrigerant concentration (A2L/A3) at the installation site | Commissioning, optimizing, documenting |
F-gas certification
Since 2025, the certificate system of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2215 applies. The scenarios cover the practical requirements: hermetically tight joints and brazing (A1, A2), direct and indirect leak detection, the assessment scheme of evacuation, pressure testing and charging by refrigerant mass, and the logbook. Simulation is particularly suited to CO₂ (B) and ammonia (C), because real high-pressure and hazardous situations cannot be practised safely.
Trial with apprentices at the Bundesfachschule Leonberg.
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