Providing high-quality, in-demand courses is one of the most effective ways to boost your Registered Training Organisation’s (RTO) reputation and enrolment numbers. Now more than ever, the spotlight is on first aid qualifications—and for good reason.
This blog explores the growing relevance of first aid and CPR courses, why they are essential additions to your course catalogue, and how you can seamlessly integrate them into your RTO’s offerings.
Why First Aid and CPR Should Be on Your Radar
First aid courses are no longer just a “nice-to-have” skillset—it’s an essential program that benefits workplaces, communities, and individuals alike. From school teachers to construction workers, holding first aid qualifications is now a standard requirement across numerous industries.
Your RTO can meet this demand by offering first aid qualifications while standing out as a well-rounded education provider.
- Industry Recognition: Many sectors, from childcare to construction, require staff to hold valid first aid qualifications.
- Broader Appeal: Individuals outside these sectors also enrol to gain essential life skills.
- Tangible Impact: Graduates walk away with the confidence and ability to tackle emergencies, adding value to their workplaces and communities.
The Surge in Demand: A Snapshot of Enrolments
If you’re considering offering first aid and CPR courses, the numbers from NCVER make a compelling case. Across Australia, enrolments in these vital courses are consistently climbing, reflecting their importance in equipping the workforce with critical life-saving skills.
Key National Trends
Let’s take a closer look at some standout figures from 2022 to 2023:
Course | 2022 Total | 2023 Total | YoY Growth |
HLTAAP001 – Recognise healthy body systems | 110,875 | 121,740 | 10% |
HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | 1,833,015 | 2,105,200 | 15% |
HLTAID010 – Provide basic emergency life support | 766,640 | 884,730 | 15% |
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid | 1,168,525 | 1,340,870 | 15% |
HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting | 146,275 | 190,090 | 30% |
HLTAID013 – Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site | 7,340 | 8,415 | 15% |
HLTAID014 – Provide Advanced First Aid | 19,960 | 20,270 | 2% |
HLTAID015 – Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy | 37,030 | 41,675 | 13% |
HLTAID016 – Manage first aid services and resources | 3,915 | 3,975 | 2% |
HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
This has emerged as the most popular first aid course in 2023, attracting an impressive 2,105,200 enrolments. Its focus on life-saving CPR techniques is a central skill for many professions.
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
Close on its heels is HLTAID011, with 1,340,870 enrolments in 2023. This comprehensive course covers a broader spectrum of first aid scenarios, making it indispensable for workplaces and community settings.
Regional and Remote Growth: e-Learning Opportunities
Region | Subject | 2022 | 2023 | YoY Growth |
Major cities | HLTAAP001 – Recognise healthy body systems | 75,540 | 81,525 | 8% |
HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | 1,080,000 | 1,238,770 | 15% | |
HLTAID010 – Provide basic emergency life support | 420,690 | 486,235 | 16% | |
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid | 689,465 | 790,145 | 15% | |
HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting | 96,610 | 126,250 | 31% | |
HLTAID013 – Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site | 3,010 | 3,170 | 5% | |
HLTAID014 – Provide Advanced First Aid | 10,330 | 10,125 | -2% | |
HLTAID015 – Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy | 17,775 | 19,420 | 9% | |
HLTAID016 – Manage first aid services and resources | 1,885 | 1,900 | 1% | |
Totals | 2,395,305 | 2,757,540 | 15% | |
Regional | HLTAAP001 – Recognise healthy body systems | 26,950 | 26,440 | -2% |
HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | 493,015 | 575,115 | 17% | |
HLTAID010 – Provide basic emergency life support | 191,800 | 229,815 | 20% | |
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid | 298,855 | 345,645 | 16% | |
HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting | 35,880 | 45,750 | 28% | |
HLTAID013 – Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site | 2,550 | 3,155 | 24% | |
HLTAID014 – Provide Advanced First Aid | 6,580 | 6,835 | 4% | |
HLTAID015 – Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy | 13,655 | 16,195 | 19% | |
HLTAID016 – Manage first aid services and resources | 985 | 1,015 | 3% | |
Totals | 1,070,270 | 1,249,965 | 17% | |
Remote | HLTAAP001 – Recognise healthy body systems | 1,240 | 1,140 | -8% |
HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | 43,185 | 47,350 | 10% | |
HLTAID010 – Provide basic emergency life support | 18,010 | 21,270 | 18% | |
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid | 25,640 | 29,480 | 15% | |
HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting | 3,100 | 3,635 | 17% | |
HLTAID013 – Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site | 895 | 995 | 11% | |
HLTAID014 – Provide Advanced First Aid | 685 | 740 | 8% | |
HLTAID015 – Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy | 1,920 | 2,075 | 8% | |
HLTAID016 – Manage first aid services and resources | 135 | 115 | -15% | |
Totals | 94,810 | 106,800 | 13% |
The rise in regional and remote enrolments is particularly notable, highlighting the importance of accessible and flexible training options:
- Regional Areas
Total enrolments grew from 1,070,270 in 2022 to 1,249,965 in 2023, a 17% increase.o HLTAID012 saw a 28% increase, emphasising the growing demand for sector-specific skills in education and care settings outside urban areas. - Remote Areas
Total enrolments rose from 94,810 in 2022 to 106,800 in 2023, marking a 13% increase.o HLTAID013 – Provide First Aid in Remote or Isolated Sites grew by 11%, reflecting the unique needs of industries operating in these areas.
This upward trend shows the potential of e-Learning solutions that cater to learners who face geographical barriers.
The Advantages of Adding First Aid and CPR Training to Your Portfolio
Meeting Compliance Requirements
Many industries have strict regulations requiring staff to hold valid first aid and CPR courses. By incorporating these programmes, your RTO can attract organisations seeking to upskill their employees to meet compliance standards.
Strengthening Community Impact
Offering first aid qualifications enhances your RTO’s reputation for social responsibility. Graduates become equipped to handle emergencies, potentially saving lives in workplaces, homes, and public spaces.
Attracting a Broader Learner Demographic
Many individuals, from parents and carers to sports coaches and security personnel, see the value in gaining first aid and CPR skills. By diversifying your course catalogue, you open doors to a broader market.
Upselling Opportunities
Once learners complete an initial first aid course, they are often keen to maintain their certification or advance to higher-level classes. This creates ongoing enrolment opportunities for your RTO.
Essentials for Launching a First Aid and CPR Course
Successfully adding first aid and CPR courses to your offerings requires some planning and resources. Here’s what you’ll need:
Qualified Trainers: Instructors should hold the relevant first aid qualifications and have ample industry experience. This ensures that learners receive accurate, up-to-date information.
Comprehensive Training Materials: High-quality manuals, demonstration videos, and interactive learning modules form the backbone of practical training. Ensure your RTO invests in reliable training resources that are regularly updated to align with industry standards.
Practical Equipment:
Mannequins for CPR Practice: These allow students to practice techniques safely and gain hands-on confidence.
First Aid Kits: Well-stocked kits enhance the training experience and help simulate real-world scenarios.
AED Trainers: Automated External Defibrillator (AED) practice units are crucial for CPR courses, equipping students with vital life-saving knowledge.
Adequate Learning Space: Provide a classroom or training area that can accommodate practical exercises. Enough room to practise CPR and other simulated emergency techniques is essential.
Simulated Business Sites: Incorporate realistic workplace scenarios into your training. Simulations help learners apply their skills in context, better preparing them for real-life emergencies.
Moving Forward: Secure Your RTO’s Future
By integrating first aid and CPR courses into your offerings, your RTO meets current market demands and secures a future-ready portfolio. These courses consistently draw high enrolments, making them both financially and socially rewarding.
Ready to Enhance Your Course Catalogue?
If you’re convinced that first aid qualifications are a worthy addition to your RTO’s programme line-up, the next step is sourcing the right training materials. Compliant Learning Resources offers a range of high-quality, up-to-date training materials and e-Learning materials designed to help RTOs deliver exceptional first aid and CPR courses.
Don’t miss out on this growing sector. Elevate your RTO’s offerings today by incorporating in-demand first aid courses and provide learners with the life-saving skills they want and need. Contact us to purchase premium training materials and take your RTO to the next level.