BOOST YOUR CAREER & CV WITH FIRST-AID SKILLS

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If you are looking for ways to boost your CV to catch an employer’s eye, sometimes it pays to think outside the box…

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If you are looking for ways to boost your CV to catch an employer’s eye, sometimes it pays to think outside the box. It’s not just about demonstrating why you are a good choice for a particular job role; it’s also about showing what ADDITIONAL qualities you can bring to an organisation. One way you can do this is by getting qualified as a first-aider.

If you’re a recent graduate, school leaver, jobseeker, or seasoned professional, completing a first-aider course equips you with skills to save lives and provides a surprising range of transferable skills. Becoming a certified first aider can be a game-changer for your professional development.

Training in first aid means you’ll be ready to provide critical assistance and potentially save someone’s life. But the benefits don’t stop there. The skills you gain through a first-aider course are incredibly transferable and highly valued by employers across industries.

A good first aid course teaches you how to handle life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks, choking, or severe bleeding. Just knowing how to step in and deal with situations like these will boost your self-confidence. Having confidence is a quality that goes far in the workplace, whether starting your first job or taking on new challenges in your existing role.

It may not seem obvious, but doing a first aid course will teach you problem-solving skills. This is because you will be taught to assess an emergency, recognise the immediate risks, and decide on the best course of action. You can apply this same approach to tackling challenging situations at work. For instance, deciding how to prioritise tasks, allocate resources, or address unexpected obstacles mirrors the critical thinking required in first aid scenarios. Employers value proactive decision-makers who can assess situations quickly and effectively.

Few things are as stressful as dealing with real-life emergencies. First aid training helps you maintain composure under pressure—a skill that carries over into workplace crises. Whether managing a tight project deadline or resolving a team conflict, staying calm and level-headed is a vital ability that demonstrates leadership and resilience. 

Did you know that many businesses are legally required to have at least one first aider on site? Employers often look favourably on candidates who are already trained, as it saves time and additional resources. Having a certified first aider in the workplace ensures compliance with health and safety regulations and improves workplace safety, fostering a more secure environment for everyone.

Your certification could be the added advantage that sets you apart from other candidates during the hiring process. First aid training showcases your sense of responsibility and willingness to step up for the benefit of others—qualities that all organisations appreciate.

While first aid training is valuable for anyone, it’s particularly useful for certain professions, including:

  • Teaching and education (working with children often requires first aid knowledge)
  • Healthcare and social care
  • Construction and manufacturing (industries with higher-risk environments)
  • Sports and fitness coaching
  • Retail and hospitality

However, even if you’re working in an office-based role, knowing first aid is always an advantage. You never know when an emergency could happen, and being able to help could make you a valuable employee.

Here are some organisations in the Liverpool City Region offering first-aider certification:

1. St John Ambulance

One of the most recognised names in first aid training, St John Ambulance offers a wide range of courses, from basic life support training to workplace first aid certification. They also have significant partnerships with organisations, ensuring their training meets workplace health and safety requirements. 

2. British Red Cross

The British Red Cross provides first aid courses tailored for workplaces. Their training includes guidance on responding to workplace-specific incidents, such as burns, fractures, or sudden illness. 

3. North West Ambulance Service

For those seeking training through a healthcare provider, North West Ambulance Service offers a variety of first aid courses, including essential awareness and workplace-specific certifications.