Surprisingly, no — first aid trainers do not need to be clinically qualified to teach regulated first aid courses in the UK. The minimum requirement is usually a recognised teaching qualification (such as Level 3 AET) and a valid first aid qualification at or above the level they’re teaching.

That said, having clinical experience brings significant added value — and that’s exactly what we offer at The Hive Collaborative.

All of our first aid courses are delivered by qualified medical professionals — such as paramedics, nurses, or those with frontline emergency care backgrounds. This isn’t an industry requirement, but we believe it makes a real difference. Our trainers draw on real-world clinical experience to explain not just what to do, but why it matters, how to prioritise care, and what actually happens in emergency scenarios.

It’s this clinical insight, calm guidance, and real-life perspective that sets our courses apart — especially for workplaces that want more than just box-ticking training.

So while clinical qualifications aren’t mandatory in the industry, we think they make your learning experience richer, safer, and more confidence-building from day one.

To pass a first aid course, you’ll need to attend all sessions, take part in practical scenarios, and successfully demonstrate key skills such as CPR, the recovery position, and managing emergencies. Most courses also include a short written or multiple-choice exam, which must be passed to receive certification.

At The Hive Collaborative, we actively support the development of your academic skills to help you succeed in the assessment — but above all, we focus on building your confidence to apply first aid in real-life situations. Practical competence is the true goal, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

The First Aid at Work (FAW) course takes three days to complete. This includes a mix of theory, practical training, and assessment, all delivered in-person by a qualified instructor. The time is carefully structured to ensure learners can build real confidence in responding to a wide range of first aid situations—through demonstration, discussion, and hands-on practice.

By contrast, some online-only courses that use similar names can be completed in just a few hours. While these might cover basic principles, they typically offer limited depth and no practical element, which is essential when dealing with real-life emergencies.

The time investment in the FAW course reflects the breadth and quality of the content, ensuring that learners are not just informed—but capable.

Ready to book your First Aid training or need help choosing the right course?

We’re here to help! Whether you’re booking for yourself or organising training for a team, we’ll guide you through the options to make sure you choose the right course for your needs.

You can book online, download our course flyers, or get in touch with us directly for friendly advice and group booking options.

Let’s make sure you’re prepared, confident, and compliant—start your first aid journey with The Hive Collaborative today.

The First Aid at Work (FAW) course covers a comprehensive range of topics to prepare you to respond confidently to a wide variety of workplace emergencies. This includes:

• Assessing an incident and managing a casualty

• CPR and defibrillator (AED) use

• Dealing with choking, bleeding, burns, and shock

• Managing injuries to bones, muscles, and joints

• Recognising and responding to medical conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and asthma

• Health & Safety Executive (HSE) responsibilities and record keeping

The course combines theory with hands-on practice, so you’ll get to apply what you learn in a supportive, practical environment.

We understand that some people may feel nervous or unsure about taking a first aid course—especially the practical elements or assessments. Please know that this is completely normal, and we’re here to help. Our experienced trainers create a friendly, encouraging atmosphere and will work with you to build your confidence every step of the way.

A Nominated Person (sometimes called an Appointed Person) is someone chosen by an employer to take charge of first aid arrangements in the workplace when a fully qualified first aider is not required.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Looking after the first aid kit and other supplies

• Calling emergency services when needed

• Keeping basic records of incidents

However, a Nominated Person is not required to provide first aid themselves, and they are not the same as a trained first aider.

If your workplace has higher risks (such as machinery, manual handling, or chemicals), or you have many employees, it’s likely you’ll need one or more qualified first aiders, rather than just a Nominated Person. We’re happy to help you assess your needs based on your setting and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines.

The First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification is the industry-standard certification for workplace first aiders in the UK. It’s a Level 3 regulated qualification, designed to meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

This course includes practical, in-person training and assessment by a qualified instructor, ensuring learners are fully prepared to respond to real-life first aid emergencies in the workplace.

You may come across online-only courses with similar names, such as “Workplace First Aid”. These are often CPD certified, and may be useful for general knowledge or awareness, but they lack the practical training and regulated assessment that the FAW qualification provides.

We recommend choosing a course that is regulated, accredited, and includes hands-on assessment—especially if you’re responsible for first aid in your workplace.

The cost of a First Aid at Work (FAW) course in the UK typically ranges from £200 to £300 +VAT, depending on the provider, location, and additional support offered.

At The Hive Collaborative, we currently offer the full three-day FAW course for £235 +VAT per person. This includes all training materials, a recognised certificate upon successful completion, and expert instruction from our experienced trainers.

We also offer group booking options for organisations or teams, which can be a cost-effective and convenient way to train multiple staff members at once. If you’re interested in booking for a group, get in touch—we’re happy to tailor a package that works for you.

First aid training might seem expensive at first glance, but the cost reflects the high standards of teaching, safety, and clinical knowledge involved — especially for regulated qualifications like Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW).

Here’s why:

• Expertise matters: First aid is a clinical subject. Instructors delivering regulated qualifications aren’t just experienced first aiders — they must also hold a recognised teaching or training qualification, such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET). This ensures they can deliver the content clearly, accurately, and effectively.

• Medical professionals as trainers: At The Hive Collaborative, we go a step further — our courses are only delivered by qualified medical professionals. While this isn’t a requirement for teaching first aid, we believe it enhances the depth, realism, and confidence our learners gain. Many people assume all first aid trainers are medically trained — but that’s not the case across the industry.

• Regulatory compliance: Regulated qualifications are overseen by awarding bodies such as Qualsafe Awards, meaning we must follow strict standards, undergo regular audits, and complete robust quality assurance. This ensures your qualification is both credible and legally recognised — but also adds to course delivery costs.

• Specialist resources: High-quality training involves professional-grade equipment, including CPR manikins, AED trainers, choking vests, wound simulation kits, and more. These must be kept in top condition for hands-on, safe, and realistic learning.

• Small group sizes: First aid requires practical assessment and individual attention. To support every learner effectively, courses are kept small — often just 6 to 12 participants — which raises costs compared to large, lecture-style formats.

When you choose a regulated course with skilled instructors and clinical accuracy, you’re not just paying for a certificate — you’re investing in life-saving knowledge, competence, and confidence that could one day make all the difference.