Group First Aid Training vs Public Courses: What’s Best for Your Business?

Choosing between group first aid training delivered onsite and public courses held at external venues is an important decision for any Perth-based business. Both options can deliver the nationally recognised HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid qualification, but the delivery method you choose can significantly impact attendance, compliance, and training outcomes.

This article compares both models and helps employers determine which approach better suits their operational needs, staffing model, and safety goals.

What Is Group First Aid Training?

Group first aid training involves booking a qualified trainer to attend your workplace and deliver a nationally recognised course to a group of your staff. These sessions are tailored to your industry, site-specific risks, and scheduling preferences.

At Ready Set Rescue WA, we provide onsite training to businesses across Perth with a minimum of seven participants. All equipment is supplied, and the course is delivered by emergency service professionals with real-world experience.

What Are Public First Aid Courses?

Public courses are typically hosted by registered training organisations at fixed locations. Individuals from various workplaces or the general public enrol and attend a scheduled class, usually on weekdays or weekends.

These courses cover standard first aid content but cannot be tailored to specific workplace environments or team dynamics. They also require employees to travel, book individually, and manage their own certification logistics.

Comparison: Group vs Public Courses

Feature	Group Onsite Training	Public Courses
Location	Delivered at your workplace	Offsite, public training centres
Relevance	Tailored to your industry and risks	Generic scenarios not specific to your workplace
Team Building	Staff train together as a cohesive unit	Mixed participants from multiple organisations
Scheduling	Flexible and aligned with your business hours	Fixed times, may not suit shift-based roles
Cost per Participant	More cost-effective for groups	Higher cost per head, no group discount
Record Keeping	Centralised for the business	Individuals manage their own certifications
Trainer Familiarity	Trainer can assess site-specific risks	General delivery with no site inspection

Why Most Perth Businesses Choose Onsite Group Training

Perth businesses that require multiple staff members to be first aid certified benefit from the logistical simplicity of onsite group training. Rather than managing multiple enrolments and travel allowances, all training is consolidated into a single session.

This method ensures:

• Maximum staff participation and retention

• Site-specific safety scenarios and examples

• A consistent message across your team

• Simplified compliance management for business owners

In industries such as construction, aged care, education, and hospitality, where training relevance and emergency preparedness are critical, the benefits of onsite delivery are even greater.

When Public Courses Might Be Suitable

Public first aid courses may be suitable for sole traders, micro-businesses, or new hires who missed the most recent group session. They are also a good option for individuals who want to pursue training independently.

However, for established teams or workplaces managing WHS compliance, group training offers a higher level of operational efficiency and contextual relevance.

Conclusion

While both group and public first aid training options can deliver compliant certification, group onsite training provides more flexibility, relevance, and value for Perth employers. It streamlines compliance, supports team cohesion, and aligns with real-world workplace safety planning.

Ready Set Rescue WA delivers nationally recognised HLTAID011 and HLTAID009 training directly to your site. Contact us to book a session tailored to your workplace and schedule.