Quick Answer
There isn’t a single right answer.
For some organisations, sending one or two employees to an open course is the most practical and cost-effective option.
For others, on-site training offers greater flexibility, reduces travel and allows the whole team to train together.
The best choice depends on the size of your organisation, how many people need training and what works best for your day-to-day operations.
What Is an Open Course?
An open course is held at a dedicated training venue and is attended by learners from a variety of different organisations.
They’re ideal if:
- You only need to train one or two people.
- You don’t have suitable training facilities.
- You’d like your staff to learn alongside delegates from other workplaces.
At Emerald First Aid Training, we regularly run open courses in Yeovil, Taunton and Bridgwater.
What Is On-Site Training?
On-site training takes place at your own workplace.
We bring everything required, including:
- CPR manikins
- AED training equipment
- Practical first aid resources
- Course materials
It’s often the preferred option for businesses training larger groups of employees.
Comparing the Two Options
| Open Course | On-Site Training |
| Ideal for individuals | Ideal for groups |
| Fixed course dates | Flexible dates |
| Learners meet others | Entire team trains together |
| Travel required | We come to you |
| Great for 1 to 3 learners | Often more cost effective for larger groups |
Neither option is “better”—they simply suit different situations.
Which Option Is More Cost-Effective?
Generally:
1–3 learners
Open courses are often the most economical choice.
4 or more learners
On-site training may offer better value, particularly when you factor in travel time and reduced disruption to the working day.
The exact break-even point will depend on the qualification and your location, so we’re always happy to provide a personalised quotation.
Which Option Do Employers Prefer?
Many businesses choose:
✅ Open courses when training new starters or replacing an individual whose qualification is expiring.
✅ On-site training when refreshing an entire team’s qualifications or training several employees at once.
Some organisations even use a combination of both.
Emerald Tip 💡
If your organisation needs to train several members of staff over the coming year, it’s worth planning ahead.
Rather than booking individuals onto separate open courses throughout the year, many employers find that arranging a single on-site course is more convenient, reduces travel time and can be more cost-effective.
If you’re unsure which option represents the best value for your organisation, we’re always happy to talk through the options with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one person attend an on-site course?
Yes, although it may not always be the most cost-effective option.
Are the qualifications the same?
Yes. The qualification achieved is exactly the same whether the course is delivered at one of our venues or at your workplace.
Do open courses include learners from different companies?
Yes. That’s one of the benefits of an open course, as learners often gain insights from other workplaces and industries.
Which option do you recommend?
It depends on your organisation. We’ll always recommend the option that best suits your learner numbers, budget and operational needs.
Continue Learning
You may also find these guides useful:
- Can First Aid Training Be Delivered at Your Workplace?
- What Is a First Aid Needs Assessment?
- How Many First Aiders Does My Business Need?
- Emergency First Aid at Work vs First Aid at Work
- First Aid Courses in Yeovil
- First Aid Courses in Taunton
- First Aid Courses in Bridgwater
Ready to Book?
Whether you’re looking to book a single place on one of our open courses or arrange on-site training for your team, we’re here to help.
Browse our upcoming course dates or contact us to discuss the best option for your organisation.