Learner FAQ

Yes.  If you need to reschedule your training due to a COVID-19 infection there will be no rebooking fee.

Although the COVID-19 Protection Framework / Traffic Light System is no longer in place we are still mindful of COVID-19 and continue to have precautions in place. These include:

• Well ventilated training rooms
• Monitoring CO2 throughout the day
• Our venues are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Surfaces are wiped after each course
• We follow good hygiene practices and encourage learners onsite to take all sensible precautions
• We support those who choose to wear a mask
• We ask anyone who feels unwell to please rebook their session

Masks are not required but we fully support anyone who chooses to wear one. 

WorkSafe recognises that some workplaces have greater risks of injury and illness because of the sort of work they do. These risks are an important factor in deciding first aid requirements, because different first aid facilities may be needed for different activities.

Employers are required to provide first aid that takes into account the individual circumstances of their workplace. Circumstances that can affect your first aid needs include things like hazards common in your industry or workplace, the number of employees you have, and how far away you are from medical help.
The NZQA requirements for first aid training are described in a document titled First Aid as a Life Skill.

• An important requirement for first aid training is the training and assessment time. The minimum duration of first training and assessment is:
  12 hours for first aid training assessed against unit standards 6400, 6401 and 6402;
• Eight hours for first aid training assessed against unit standards 6401 and 6402; and
• Six hours for refresher or revalidation training.

If you are unsure about the requirements for your workplace, please call us. We are happy to talk to you and help you understand your first aid training needs.

“Simply providing first aid will not cover your legal obligation to manage significant hazards. But it will help meet your obligation to provide an appropriate emergency response procedure in the event of an accident.” (WorkSafe)

Specifically, Practical Training Solutions is registered by the NZQA as a Private Training Establishment under the provisions of the Education Act 1989 and its subsequent amendments. We have been granted consent by NZQA to assess first aid unit standards and our training is moderated by the Skills Organisation through national external moderation. In addition, we also carry out robust self-assessment. This means that our Trainers, our first aid course content and our delivery methods are continually quality checked. This gives you the assurance that our training is up-to-date and delivered in a way that maximises your learning.

Our training prepares you to be an effective first aider in your workplace, home or community. Our NZQA-approved Workplace First Aider training scheme supports workplaces and organisations in meeting their health and safety requirements relating to first aid through the delivery of first aid training that meets their compliance requirements, including those specified by NZQA, WorkSafe and industry-specific requirements.

We are a Category 2 NZQA Provider. This means that NZQA is confident in our educational performance and our capability in self-assessment.

The best way is to enrol online.  Alternatively, you can contact us by phone, email or in person to work through the enrollment process.

Yes.

We will send a confirmation email to the email address provided to us. The confirmation email includes important information for your training, including the self-directed learning (if applicable), start and finish time of your training session and what to bring.

If you are enrolled in our Blended course your confirmation email will include details for accessing the online learning.  Please check your spam folder for this email.

Please read your confirmation email carefully and reply to it if you have any questions.

For more information see section ‘Confirmation email and reminder text message’ in our Terms and Conditions.

We offer an early payment discount because we like to achieve administrative efficiency and say thank you to you for helping us achieve our goal. The early payment discount applies when the course fee is received within 7 days of enrolment, or by the date shown on the invoice.

If you have any concerns about paying your course fee, please contact us to discuss it.

For more information see section ‘Discounts’ in our Terms and Conditions.

You can find more information about our sector discounts here.

You will receive an invoice when your enrolment has been processed. This will include payment instructions. We only accept payment via online banking. Please note that we do not have credit card facilities and we cannot accept cheques.

Yes. You can request one change of date free of charge if your request is made at least two working days before your practical session*. Later and additional changes may incur a rebooking fee. Changes are subject to availability.

You can change the date by logging in to our online portal. Alternatively, email or call us with your change request.

If your enrolment was made by a representative of your workplace or organisation, the contact person must authorise any date changes.

*There are no complimentary date changes when a session has been by request.

Yes, you can cancel your course.  If you no longer require the course please contact us as soon as possible to cancel. There may be a cancellation fee.

We offer a cooling off period. If you request a cancellation within 48 hours of booking, you are eligible for a 100% refund of the course fee, providing your practical session is later than 48 hours after your cancellation request.

For more information see section ‘Practical session cancellations and refunds’ in our Terms and Conditions. This provides a full breakdown of our refund terms.

Please read our group booking Terms and Conditions.

First aid revalidation (or refresher) training in required every two years to maintain your certificate.

To be eligible for revalidation training, you must hold a valid first aid certificate that is no older than 2 years and 3 months. Your revalidation training can only revalidate your existing certificate. To attend workplace first aid revalidation training your previous certificate must show that your previous course was assessed against NZQA unit standards 6402, 6401 and 6400.

This means that, in order to obtain a revalidation certificate, you must complete all parts of your revalidation training within 2 years and 3 months of the date of your previous certificate. This includes completing your training session and handing in your completed Self-directed Learning Module.

If you have not done your previous training with us, we need a copy your previous certificate for verification before, or on, the training session. Please provide your previous certificate at the time of booking or some other time before your training session if possible as this will make the training session day less complicated for you and us. You can email us a copy or a photo of it.

Revalidation certificates are not issued until all course requirements, including proof of eligibility, are met.

If you are unable to provide a valid previous certificate, you can attend an additional session to enable you to complete a full workplace first aid course. An additional cost applies for the extra session.

The extended grace period of 6 months due to COVID-19 reverts to 3 months as of 1 February 2023.  To read the Toitū te Waiora notice visit their website.

All first aid courses have practical components and may involve group participation. As part of the assessment you will be required to demonstrate to the Trainer that you are physically able to perform first aid skills. This includes demonstrating cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the floor sufficiently long so that your Trainer can assess competency. You will also have to perform other activities, such as roll-overs and recovery position on the floor.

You will be asked about any limitations that may affect your ability to perform these tasks on the enrolment form. We invite you to contact us prior to your training session or practical session to discuss options.

You are required to have an acceptable level of spoken English. A translator may be used, with prior consent from Practical Training Solutions when you are not a confident English language speaker. In such a case you will be required to meet all the assessment criteria by demonstrating all the skills learnt during the course.

If you require support because of difficulties with the English language, you must contact us at least 24 hours before your training session so that we can discuss this with you.

If you are deaf and require a Sign Language interpretor, please make a note of this on the enrollment form.  

You will be asked about any learning difficulties that may affect your ability to engage with the course content and perform assessment tasks on the enrolment form. We invite you to contact us prior to your training session or practical session to discuss options.

If you like to gain recognition of prior learning (RPL) for existing knowledge and skills gained through previous training, you need to discuss this with us. Requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To prepare for your Traditional course training session please:

• Complete your self-directed learning worksheets (6 pages). Make sure you read the self-directed learning information pack carefully as this provides required information and instructions.
• Make arrangements for your day to ensure that you can arrive on time and can stay until your scheduled finish time. Please note that traffic can be heavy near our Practical Training Solutions training venue at the start of the day.
• Check your confirmation email for details (for example, clothing, parking, lunch arrangements and payment).
• Read our Learner Code of Conduct

To prepare for your Blended course practical session please:

• Complete your online learning. Make sure you fully complete all your online learning lessons and quizzes, including marking the final lesson as complete.
• Print and complete your emergency plan documents. Ensure you have fully completed your emergency plan documents (2 documents, 3 sides).  If you are unable to print the documents you can handwrite the plan following the same headings as on the template documents.
• Check your confirmation email for details and session time.
• Read our Learner Code of Conduct

You need to complete your Self-directed Learning Module before the training session for your Traditional Workplace First Aider, Revalidation or Foundation course.  Doing these activities prepares you for your training session. 

The Self-directed Learning Module is a component of the Traditional Workplace First Aid and Revalidation course. You must complete it in your own time, outside the time of your training session. You cannot work on your worksheets during the breaks of your training session because that would mean you miss out on breaks and therefore your learning would be less effective.

Please note that because the Self-directed Learning Module is a part of your first aid course, we cannot complete your certification until we have received your completed and signed worksheets. Therefore, importantly for you, completing the Self-directed Learning worksheets before your training session means that we can issue your certificate on the day of your training session (providing all other requirements of your training are met).

If you don’t hand in your completed self-directed learning worksheet at the beginning of your training session, you must hand it in on another day within one month of your training session.

Yes, if we have your correct mobile phone number and email address.

For more information see section ‘Confirmation email and reminder text message’ in our Terms and Conditions.

Your confirmation email will list any items you need to bring.  These may include:

• Lunch if attending a full day session
• Completed Self-directed Learning worksheets if completed Traditional course
• Emergency plan documents (2 pages, 3 sides) if completing Blended course
• A pen
• A mask or face covering

We recommend that you wear comfortable, casual clothing as the practical components of the course require you to move around and work on the floor. Scenario work may include liquid fake blood.

Please note that that you will be physically active during your session. Please be mindful that body odour or poor personal hygiene can affect other Learners. We would appreciate if you could take any possible steps to address any potential personal hygiene matters.

If you are wearing dirty footwear (for example work boots), you will be asked to remove them during your session. Think about the state of your socks 😊 or bring some extra socks or shoes.

Please do not wear anything offensive or intimidating to others.

Remember to bring your mask or face covering.

Free car parking is available at most of our venues. Options will be outlined in your confirmation email. If only paid parking is available, you will be notified. Learners who park illegally or in areas not designated for parking will be asked to move their vehicle.

At the Practical Training Solutions training venue (corner Naylor and Galloway Streets), some carparks are available outside the building. Additional parking is available on Galloway Street.

Do not park on the grass verge on wither Galloway or Naylor Street.

Our Settlement Centre Waikato venue has a free public car park accessed from Boundary Road.  Car parks are available on a first come, first served basis. 

Practical Training Solutions does not provide childcare facilities. No children or babies are permitted in the classroom during the training and assessment delivery.

Appropriate facilities to breastfeed or express milk can be made available for use during teaching breaks. Please notify us before your training session date if you require this service.

The start time of your session is confirmed in your confirmation email.

For our Traditional courses our publicly scheduled training sessions usually have an arrival time of 8:15 am. During the first 15 minutes, you meet your Trainer, hand in your Self-directed Learning Worksheets, receive feedback from your Trainer on the worksheets and settle in with a tea or coffee. Training starts at 8:30 am.

Please note that if you arrive before 8 am you may be asked to wait outside until the classroom is set up.

For the Blended course practical session, please only arrive 5 minutes before your session start time.  The start time is shown in your confirmation email.

We start on time.

If you are late you may not be able to join the practical session and must reschedule. This is because you would be missing content, interrupt other Learners and fail to meet NZQA time requirements.

If you are late due to exceptional circumstances, you may be allowed to join the session providing the Trainer has time work through the course component(s) you missed. You may be given additional activities to complete (for example a quiz) to make up for lost time.

You must also return on time from any breaks.

When you arrive at your session your Trainer will welcome you. The Trainer will explain the structure of the session and you’ll be able to talk about any concerns you may have.

For the Traditional course, your training day comprises a series of sessions which cover the course content and assessment. There will be some delivery by the Trainer but most of the day you will participate in different learning and assessment activities.  Our aim is to keep you interested and promote an engaging learning environment.

For the Blended course, your practical session is an opportunity to consolidate your online learning, ask the Trainer questions and practise yoru skills before the assessment.   If you think you may need a longer session than usually scheduled please contact us to discuss options.

For practical session for the Blended course Learners can expect a small group or 1-on-1 session focused on assessing their skills.  The Trainer is available to clarify anything the Learner is unsure about and support them in successfully completing the assessment.

Practical Training Solutions provides a respectful, safe and enabling learning environment. To explain and specify the behaviour we expect from our Learners and staff, we have a Learner Code of Conduct that is displayed during training at all venues (see next question).

No harassment or discrimination will be tolerated. All Learners and Practical Training Solutions staff share responsibility for achieving such an environment. If you feel harassed or discriminated against, please raise this with your Trainer as soon as possible. You can also ask your Trainer who else you can talk to. If this is not practical, you should submit a grievance in writing via our website or by email to info@practicaltrainingsolutions.co.nz.

Learners whose behaviour, attitude or hygiene adversely affect other Learners will be asked respectfully to address the respective issue.

Yes. Click to view our Learner Code of Conduct and Wellbeing. We work with our learners to create an inclusive, respectful, safe and supportive learning environment.

Break times are given by your Trainer. Please ensure you return back from breaks on time because you must attend the full training session.

Due to the short length of practical sessions for the Blended course there are no scheduled breaks.  However, if a Learner needs a break this can be arranged with the Trainer.

For more information see section ‘Returning late from breaks’ in our Terms and Conditions.

Learners who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will be turned away from the course and will be required to rebook on another available date. This will incur additional cost.

If you need to use your phone as a matter of urgency, please inform your Trainer as early as possible.

For more information see section ‘Phone use’ in our Terms and Conditions.

No.

Practical Training Solutions is a smoke free environment.  Our Naylor Street and Settlement Centre Waikato venues are both smoke free. Learners may only smoke in designated smoking areas. Ask your Trainer where venue-specific smoking areas are.

If any of the training session content triggers an emotional response or you are worried about any content that you may find difficult please talk to you Trainer as early as possible.

We offer two NZQA approved delivery methods.  Both have been developed to meet the 12 hour time requirement for unit standard based workplace first aid training.

1. Blended course made up of online learning (completed in the learner’s own time) + a short, small group practical training session. The session will be up to 2 hours and compliments the online learning which is completed before the practical session.  Learners should allow several days to work through the online learning; it cannot be started and completed on the same day as your practical session.

During your practical session you will discuss your emergency action plan (explained online) and clarify any questions you have. There will be opportunities for practice and questions and Trainer feedback to support you in meeting learning outcomes and become a confident first aider.

2. Traditional course made up of Self-directed Learning worksheets (completed in the learner’s own time) + a full day or half day (depending on course type) training session.

Theoretical knowledge is delivered by your Trainer and provides opportunities for Learner discussion and questions. Learning activities are set up for Learners to apply knowledge and skills and practice practical activities. Recap activities are specific activities designed to summarise knowledge and emphasise key messages, for example quizzes.

The session’s structure is designed to deliver effective training to ensure you obtain appropriate training, opportunities for practice and questions and Trainer feedback to support you in meeting learning outcomes and become a confident first aider.

For our Traditional course we minimise reading and writing as much as possible. However, a certain amount is required to meet NZQA requirements for example the Self-directed Leaning Module (homework) which includes a booklet to read and worksheets to complete.

For our Blended course the online learning is predominantly reading with some videos and images / infographics.  We are making regular improvements to this to cater to all learning styles.

Please talk to us if you have any concerns. We can make arrangements to ensure that you are not disadvantaged if you have reading or writing difficulties.

Your Trainer will explain what you are expected to do as part of your assessment and what you need to demonstrate in order to meet requirements. Please listen to and read all instructions carefully before the start of your assessment. You are expected to ask questions if you do not understand what is expected of you.

You will typically work in groups of 2 or 3 during scenarios. You are assessed one at a time. While you are assessed the other Learners are typically acting as patients or bystanders. You will each be assessed on a different scenario that is described on a scenario card. You will also receive resources to use during your assessment, for example first aid supplies, materials available for treatment and manikins for CPR and choking. You will be observed by your Trainer or another Learner, and evidence of your performance will be documented. To confirm your understanding of first aid knowledge, your Trainer may ask you to describe what it is you are doing and why you are doing it. On completion of each task you will be told whether you have met the assessment requirements. If you have not yet met the requirements you will be provided with the opportunity to be reassessed.

If you have difficulties with any activities, please talk to your Trainer as early as possible.

You will usually receive your certificate on the day of your practical session if you have met all course requirements, including assessment, payment and homework (self-directed learning or online learning, if applicable). If anything is outstanding on the day you will receive an email within a few days after your practical session explaining what you need to do in order to complete your course requirements and receive your certificate.

Your first aid certificate is evidence that you have completed all course requirements. 

For more information see section ‘Issuing of certificates’ in our Terms and Conditions.

Yes. You can download a copy of your certifictae by logging into to the Practical Training Solutions online portal.  Alternatively you can email us or call us to request a copy.

If you would like to have unit standard credits recorded on your New Zealand Record of Achievement (NZROA), you need to inform us (preferably by completing the relevant section of your booking form) and provide us with your National Student Number (NSN) and date of birth. 

Requests to report credits and required information (including NSN and date of birth) need to be provided to us within two months of completion of training so that we can report credits within NZQA regulatory timeframes.

If you cannot remember or do not have a NSN, please call NZQA on 0800 697 296.

Please note that there is a cost for reporting NZQA credits of $15 per Learner.

NZQA credits are processed within ten working days of us receiving all required information or course completion (if information was provided before course completion) and payment.

If you request NZQA credits to be reported within three to six months of completion of training, i.e. the date on your certificate, you need to complete a quiz to demonstrate that you are still competent in first aid. There may be an additional late NZQA credit reporting fee. NZQA credits are processed within ten working days of your request.

We are not able to report NZQA credits later than six months after completion of your training. If you require first aid credits after that time, you need to attend revalidation training and we can report your credits upon completion of that course.

You need to submit your completed self-directed learning workbook in order to get your certificate. You can upload it in your PTS Online Portal account, send it to us via email, deliver it in person or post it. If this was your last outstanding course component, your certificate will be available in your PTS Online Portal account within a few days. We will also email it to you.

Please be mindful of any time limits associated with your training. For example, if you are booked in for revalidation training you need to complete your course while you are still eligible (2 years and 3 months from the issue date of your previous certificate).

Please see section ‘Responsibility for items sent by post’ in our Terms and Conditions.

If payment was the last outstanding component of your first aid training your certificate will be processed within ten working days. Your certificate will be emailed to you unless you request a hard copy.

If you ask for your certificate to be send by post, please see section ‘Responsibility for items sent by post’ in our Terms and Conditions.

Practical Training Solutions ensures the privacy of your personal information and complies with the Privacy Act 2020. Your personal information is stored in a secure database that is managed by Practical Training Solutions.

The information collected by Practical Training Solutions during the booking and enrolment process and during the period in which the Learner is enrolled at Practical Training Solutions is intended for use in connection with the education and well-being of the Learner and may be used by any of the staff of Practical Training Solutions or government department (NZQA, MOE) in connection with that purpose. You have right of access to and correction of the personal information collected by Practical Training Solutions.

The Code applies to education providers (registered schools, registered private training establishments, Te Pūkenga, universities, wānanga) who:

• enrol international students,
• enrol domestic tertiary students, and/or
• enrol (with a tertiary provider) industry trainees or apprentices.

An education provider must be an approved signatory to the Code before enrolling any international students. Practical Training Solutions is an approved signatory to the Code and is therefore able to enrol international students.

It To learn more about the Code visit the NZQA website at https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/tertiary-and-international-learners-code/know-the-code/

Yes, you can view it here.

All Learners and clients are encouraged to provide feedback and, if they feel aggrieved, raise grievances. Feedback can be provided verbally to your Trainer, administration staff, online at www.practicaltrainingsolutions.co.nz/feedback or by email. We see feedback as an opportunity for improvements and provide effective procedures for investigating and resolving any issues raised.

1. In the first instance, speak with your Trainer.
2. If the issue is still unresolved, speak with or write to the Training Manager (email info@practicaltrainingsolutions.co.nz Attn: Training Manager, send a letter by post, call or make an appointment to visit the Training Manager at our office). If you choose to lay a formal complaint, please note that a complaint form (www.practicaltrainingsolutions.co.nz/feedback) must be completed.
3. If the grievance is still unresolved, you can raise your concerns with NZQA. You can contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) by phone on 0800 697 296 or email qadrisk@nzqa.govt.nz. Please visit www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/make-a-complaint/make-a-complaint-about-a-provider/ for NZQA information on how to make a formal complaint.