Michelle is one of our highly qualified Lead Trainers operating from Cambridgeshire and has been with Nuco Training since 2008.
When did you first learn first aid and why?
I had to complete a First Aid course as part of my Leisure qualification and then I started working as a lifeguard. I loved being hands on and learning new skills. I went on to become a Leisure Centre Manager, specialising in poor performing Centres, which often meant ensuring that all staff were trained.
What made you choose to become a first aid instructor/trainer?
Training became a huge part of my role, so I undertook to become a Trainer/Assessor (2004) for the RLSS and it seemed a natural progression to becoming a First Aid Instructor in April 2008, again, all this whilst working in the Leisure Industry. I found that I loved the training and meeting various people. Having decided to go self employed (Jan 2011), I wanted to provide cost effective first aid and more importantly wanted to ensure it matched company’s needs, I have worked with special needs and realised that for a lot of industries there was no one out there who could deliver a course specific. I have delivered for supported living and have also delivered in London at the Barracks, for the Equestrian division, having received some excellent feedback.
I also realised that I would no longer be practising First Aid, so I started working at events in 2011 and since then I now provide event First Aid cover including Martial Arts, Triathlon and Festivals, Fetes, 10k runs and Carnivals, now I get to keep my skills level up and teach. My perfect role.
I was approached by Nuco Training to become a Lead Trainer in November 2013, and have been delivering their programmes since January 2014, getting to meet some amazing people along the way and taking something away from every course.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a first aid trainer?
If you love training and have an interest in First Aid, just do it, don’t over think it. It is rewarding and at times challenging, but never boring. Take that leap, you will wonder why you waited so long.
