Does Learning First Aid Improve Your Job Prospects?
One of the most striking credentials you could have on your resume is first aid training certification.
Learn why first aid training matters in the scheme of Australia’s continuing professional development (CPD), how first aid training is a prerequisite for certain professions—and, ultimately, why first aid training is sure to improve your job prospects.
Australia’s cities are teeming with new job applicants every year, all looking to make their bread and butter in its burgeoning industries. You'd be forgiven for feeling like you're a small fish in a large pond. But in very short time, you can add an accredited first aid certificate to your C.V. that will help you jump a long queue of job applicants.
First aid in the scheme of Continuing Professional Development
Australia’s labour system is unique in that it puts a certain premium on career development. To this end, the country registers employees into Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs, in which professionals accumulate CPD points that are either mandatory or optional.
"CPD is one of the key mechanisms by which high standards of professional practice and the relevance and currency of qualifications and experience are maintained," as quoted from an article published byDesign Matters National.
‘Formal CPD’ involves activities such as participation in short courses that enhance or add to your skills. It includes activities such as work-related courses and attendance at conferences. ‘Informal CPD’ includes learning new skills on the job and being mentored by somebody with more experience in your field. Informal CPD can also take place away from work settings – for example, when professionals learn about leadership by volunteering in their local community.
A relevant example of CPD is that of a course in first aid training, which will yield a nationally recognised statement of attainment – certification that is valid for 3 years, and corresponding CPD points.
Obviously, those looking to work in health care are required to undertake training in such programs. The credentials are also highly sought after by non-medical professionals whose jobs still pertain to saving lives, such as lifeguards and firemen. But advanced first aid training is also required of child care service providers based in a centre, in case their wards suffer from allergies or asthma. In addition, the credentials are of great help to people that manage large and diverse groups of people at a time, such as flight attendants.
The rationale behind the CPD point system is to develop proficiency both in your chosen area of specialisation and important fields of knowledge outside of it. As such, regardless of whether you’re planning to rack up the prerequisite CPD points, first aid training will be of incredible use when looking for employment.
Does first aid training improve prospects for any type of employment?
The short answer is “yes.” Again, first aid training is not a blanket requirement for all types of employment, but the certification will definitely make an impact on paper. Here are some employment benefits that we can attribute to first aid training.
- It’s a standout item on your C.V./resume. Practically speaking, the certification status will likely catch an employer’s eye more than, say, a mention of passive attendance at a business summit. It’s also the kind of certification that won’t require added explanation on your part, save for the particular range of skills that you were taught in your module.
- It shows the lengths you’ve taken to prove yourself a quality employee. By “quality employee,” we mean the type whose potential encompasses more than the bare minimum asked for in the job’s terms of reference. You’ll prove yourself competent not only in your area of specialisation, but in other opportunities for holistic career development as well.
- The skills you learned in first aid are of undisputed value to any institution. Employers won’t deny the value of skills like CPR, knowing how to treat different types of wounds, or intervening properly if a colleague suffers from an asthma attack, severe allergic reaction, or heat stroke. These are skills that can be applied anywhere, be it inside the business premises or while out on a company vacation. Your potential employer could choose you over another candidate because they would feel safe and protected with you around.
- It demonstrates that you can be responsible in high-stakes situations. Completed first aid training credentials will also show an employer that you’ve learned how to deal with stressful situations, life-and-death or not. In events where a normal employee would panic or become emotional, you could be seen as someone calm, level-headed, and still capable of prioritising a favourable outcome.
- It implies that you have teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Just the act of completing first aid training demands that you inhabit the role of leader, team player, and proficient communicator. Some employers will find the certification more convincing than any self-appraising you have to do in an interview.
We hope the advice here helps your career. We know, if you follow it, you'll be prepared in any case when opportunity arises for you to contribute to your community.
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