At present there is no requirement for those who train first aid to have a “formal” training qualification-all you need as a minimum is a “First Aid Instructors” qualification. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been reviewing this for some years and it may well change-requiring all those who train HSE approved First Aid at Work courses to be in possession of a more formal training/teaching qualification. This is where the City and Guilds 7303 Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector comes in.

First Aid Instructors

Advantages:

a. It is ideal for those who want to deliver “low level” first aid courses-either commercially or within their workplace.

b. Easier to achieve than 7303

Disadvantages

a. Only covers you for First Aid training-if you wanted to move onto delivering other courses you would need to attend another “train the trainer” level course specific to that subject.

b. Things may change in the future and awarding bodies may require a more formal qualification.

City and Guilds 7303 Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector

Advantages

a. Formal, nationally recognised qualification.

b. It is generic to all training and will therefore be valid, and relevant, for different types of training i.e. conflict management, health and safety, etc

c. Offers credibility when tendering or “trying to sell” yourself and your training

Disadvantage

a. Requires more effort and commitment from the learner

Combined 7303 and First Aid Instructors

Advantage

a. Everything done in one go, without the need for possible repetition if you later need another element.

Disadvantage

b. If you just want to train “low-level” first aid courses it may be more than is necessary.

Our advice would be:

a. If you just want to train to Emergency First Aid level-i.e. one or two day courses then the First Aid Instructors qualification will suffice.

b. If you want to train to First Aid at Work level, or above, and you are serious about your training/future development then you ought to consider the combined First Aid Instructors and City and Guilds 7303 course.

Please feel free to contact us for a no obligation chat about your options