First Aid at Work (FAW).
The full HSE-recognised qualification, for teams and sites where EFAW isn't enough: higher-risk kitchens, larger warehouses, bigger sites and multi-site operations. The practical time is weighted toward hospitality scenarios, on top of the standard FAW syllabus.
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Choose your FAW route
As a Nuco Approved Instructor, I deliver Level 3 First Aid at Work through First Aid Awards Ltd, an Ofqual and Qualifications Scotland Accreditation regulated awarding organisation, so your certificate carries a recognised, externally regulated qualification, not just a training record. A fully classroom-based practical route is also available. The right choice depends on your organisation, learners and preferred method of delivery.
Regulated Blended First Aid at Work
- E-learning completed before the classroom element
- Face-to-face practical training and assessment
- Knowledge/written assessment, as required by the awarding organisation
- Level 3 Award, regulated by Ofqual and Qualifications Scotland Accreditation
- Reduced classroom attendance compared with the fully classroom-based route
Practical Classroom First Aid at Work
- 3 days, fully face-to-face
- Practical, hands-on training throughout
- Continuous practical assessment, no written exam
- Delivered through the independent competent training provider route
- Focused on practical learning and confidence
The regulated blended route suits organisations who value a Level 3 Award from an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation and want to reduce classroom attendance by completing the theory element online. The practical classroom route may suit teams who prefer hands-on learning, continuous practical assessment and no written exam. Neither route is "better", they're two legitimate ways to meet the same workplace first-aid need.
Who this course is for
FAW is the HSE-recognised standard for higher-risk or larger workplaces. In hospitality terms, that typically means busier commercial kitchens, larger warehouses, and sites with 50 or more staff.
What's covered
- Everything in EFAW, plus fractures, sprains, burns and head injuries
- Heart attack, stroke, asthma, diabetes and anaphylaxis
- Spinal injury management
- Eye injuries and chemical burns, relevant to cleaning products and kitchen chemicals
Format
As a Nuco Approved Instructor I run the regulated blended route as standard, 1 day of online theory completed in your own time plus 2 days in person for the practical. A fully classroom-based practical course over 3 days is also available. See "Choose your FAW route" above for the full comparison. Groups stay capped at 8 as standard either way.
Not sure if you need FAW or EFAW?
Most independent restaurants, cafes and shops are fine with EFAW. FAW becomes the right call once you're dealing with higher-risk kitchen equipment, larger headcounts, or a formal risk assessment that calls for it. We'll give you an honest answer either way.
FAW Requalification
Delivered as 1 day of online theory plus 1 day in person, for existing FAW holders renewing within the 28-day window before certificate expiry. Reinforces existing skills, updates for latest guidance, and renews your three-year certificate.
Common questions about FAW
Do I need FAW instead of EFAW?
FAW suits higher-risk kitchens and larger sites, typically 50+ staff or workplaces with more significant hazards. EFAW covers most lower-risk hospitality sites. We'll advise based on your risk assessment.
How does FAW requalification work?
Requalification is delivered as 1 day of online theory plus 1 day in-person practical, for existing FAW holders renewing within the 28-day window before their certificate expires.
Can we book blended to save time on the floor?
Yes, on the regulated blended route. The 1 day of online theory is completed in your team's own time, so only the 2 in-person days need scheduling around service or the shop floor. The classroom route doesn't have this option, since all 3 days are face to face.
What's the actual difference between the two FAW routes?
Delivery and assessment. The classroom route is 3 days fully face-to-face, assessed practically throughout, no written exam, delivered through the independent competent training provider route. The blended route mixes online theory with 2 in-person days, includes a written assessment, and is certificated through Nuco / First Aid Awards, an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation. Both cover the same FAW content.
Is one FAW route more compliant than the other?
No. HSE doesn't approve individual training providers or specific courses, so there's no HSE ranking between them. Both routes are delivered within the current HSE framework for workplace first-aid training, they simply differ in how the training is delivered, assessed and quality-assured. Which one's right for you depends on your team and how they prefer to learn.