The start of a new school year is always full of fresh timetables, shiny new uniforms, and the usual whirlwind of activity. But alongside maths, science and English, there is another subject that could be the most important lesson a young person ever learns: CPR and first aid.

CPR in the Curriculum

In recent years, the British Heart Foundation has successfully campaigned to make CPR and first aid a mandatory part of the PSHE curriculum in UK secondary schools. It’s a huge step forward but why was it needed?

• 43% of UK adults (around 23 million people) have never been trained in CPR.
• 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home.
• Sadly, survival rates remain at less than 1 in 10.

By giving students the opportunity to learn these skills at school, we are equipping the next generation with the confidence to act not just in the classroom, but in their homes and communities too.

Why Hands-On Training Matters

Having CPR on the school timetable is fantastic progress. But here’s the truth, confidence comes from doing, not just watching.

It’s one thing to see chest compressions demonstrated on a screen, and quite another to practise them yourself. That moment of hands-on experience, pressing on a manikin, learning the rhythm, using a defibrillator, is where real confidence begins.

At FabTraining, we make sessions practical, interactive and engaging. Our trainers aren’t just teachers, they are experienced front line technicians and first aid specialists who bring real world know how into the classroom. That means every lesson is grounded in reality, not just theory.

Skills That Spread Beyond the School Gates

When a young person learns CPR or first aid, they don’t keep that knowledge to themselves. They take it home, they share it with friends, and  they carry it into their community.

Imagine a teenager who’s learned CPR stepping up when a grandparent collapses, or a pupil calmly responding to a choking sibling. By teaching first aid in schools, we’re not just helping the students we’re creating safer families and stronger communities.

How FabTraining Supports Schools

We are passionate about making first aid accessible to everyone. Through our Mini Medics sessions for younger children and our tailored school foundation first-aider workshops, we help bring the curriculum to life in a way that’s fun, memorable and confidence-building.

Whether it’s a full CPR lesson, a refresher for older students, or interactive workshops for primary pupils, we adapt sessions to suit the age group and the school’s needs. Because we believe every child deserves the skills to save a life.

Let’s Make This Term Life-Changing

This September, let’s go beyond lesson plans and exam prep. Let’s make sure our schools are preparing students not just for the world of work but for the unexpected emergencies that could happen at any time.

👉 Schools: Get in touch with FabTraining to arrange first aid and CPR sessions that really make an impact.

👉 Parents and Guardians: Nominate your child’s school to take part and help create a generation that’s ready to save lives.

Because while not every student will use algebra in adult life, the ability to save a life is a skill that matters to us all.

Fifteen years ago, FabTraining was just a name scribbled in a notebook, a spark of an idea born from a passion for helping others and a belief in doing things the right way. Today, we are proud to stand as one of the region’s most trusted names in first aid and workplace compliance training. We have grown, evolved, and adapted but one thing has never changed: our commitment to empowering people with confidence, skills, and care.

As we mark this major milestone, we are taking a look back at where it all began, the incredible journey so far, and what lies ahead.

From Kitchen Table to Training Hub: The FabTraining Story

In 2010, Bruce launched FabTraining as a side hustle while working full-time. Like many small businesses, it started with one simple goal: to make first aid training more engaging, more practical, and more human.

“It was a ‘sink or swim’ moment,” Bruce reflects. “I saw an opportunity to do things differently and to make training that people actually enjoyed.”

By 2016, that opportunity became a full-time commitment. FabTraining moved from evenings and weekends into a full-time operation, powered by a growing reputation and word-of-mouth recommendations. In 2018, Emma joined the business full-time after years of supporting behind the scenes, bringing a fresh perspective and leading the way in hospitality training.

That same year saw our first dedicated training venue, modest, but ours in that we no longer were relying on businesses having space or spending out on private venue hire. And we didn’t stop there.

Timeline of Milestones:

• 2010 – FabTraining is born (although back then it went by it’s Sunday name of “The First Aid Box Training Solutions”
• 2016 – Bruce takes the leap and goes full time
• 2018 – Emma joins full time; hospitality courses launched
• 2019 – Moved to larger premises due to growing demand
• 2020 – Relocated again to our current home; added health & safety training
• 2020 – Covid strikes: pivoted to online learning and added First Aid for Mental Health
• 2022 – Bruce earns FREC5 qualification; expanded into pre-hospital care training
• 2023 – Secured separate office facilities to support a growing team
• 2025 – Celebrating 15 years of growth, resilience, and impact

Through it all, one thing has remained constant, our dedication to delivering high quality, engaging training that equips people with real world skills.

The Heart of FabTraining: People First

At FabTraining, we don’t just teach courses, we build confidence. Whether it’s a parent learning CPR for the first time, a construction worker brushing up on safety skills, or a schoolchild practicing the recovery position, we focus on making every learner feel capable and supported.

We’ve trained thousands of people across the region, and every session is underpinned by our core values: trust, kindness, flexibility, and fun.

“We know people remember how you made them feel,” says Emma. “So we make sure every training session is welcoming, respectful, and empowering.”

Over the years, we’ve built strong partnerships with schools, local councils, businesses, and community groups. We’ve introduced initiatives like the Mini Medics programme, taught hundreds of children first aid, and even launched the Fab First Aid Fund to help schools access training at no cost.

And in 2025, we proudly introduced a female CPR manikin to challenge stigma, raise awareness, and make our courses more inclusive.

Why This Milestone Matters

You might be wondering why 15 years matters?

Because it means 15 years of:

• Learners walking away with skills they can use to save a life
• Families feeling safer at home
• Businesses staying compliant and confident
• Children taking their first steps into first aid
• Communities empowered through knowledge

It also means resilience. Like many businesses, the Covid pandemic hit us hard but we didn’t stop. We adapted. We created online content, introduced new courses, and kept training essential workers when it mattered most.

This milestone is also a reminder of how far we’ve come, not just in size or reach, but in impact. From our first tiny training room to the full suite of services we offer today, we’ve built something that truly helps people.

“Training can change lives. Sometimes it even saves them. That’s why we do what we do,” Bruce says.

Help Us Celebrate and Get Involved

To mark our 15th year, we are celebrating in true FabTraining style with gratitude, community spirit, and a few special surprises:

What’s Happening:

• 🎉 Anniversary Blog Series – Sharing memories, milestones, and behind-the-scenes stories throughout the summer
• 📷 #FabTurns15 Social Campaign – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join in
• 💬 Share Your Story – Were you one of our early learners? Worked with us on a project? We’d love to hear your Fab memories. Simply tag us or send us a message
• 🎁 15% Off Training in August – As a thank you, we’re offering 15% off all first aid and compliance training booked during August.

Whether you’ve trained with us once or ten times, supported us through partnerships, or simply cheered us on, thank you. This celebration is for you too.

Looking Ahead: The Next 15 Years

While it’s great to look back, we’re also looking forward.

 Our goals for the future include:

• Expanding our range of environmental sustainability and care sector qualifications
• Growing our team and our training venue capabilities
• Investing in more advanced equipment
• Continuing to innovate, inspire, and train with heart

We are also committed to continuing our community-first approach. That means more support for schools, more free resources, and more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn life-saving skills.

Final Word: Thank You for 15 Incredible Years

15 years in business is no small feat and we couldn’t have done it without you. Whether you’ve sat in one of our training sessions, shared our content, referred a friend, or simply followed along, you’ve played a part in our story.

We hope you will continue to walk alongside us as we take our next steps. And if it’s been a while since you trained with us, why not join us again? There’s always something new to learn and we promise to make it fun.

👉 Explore our courses, claim your 15% discount, and celebrate with us at www.fabtraining.co.uk

👉 Follow the journey on social: #FabTurns15

Here’s to the next 15 years! 🥂

At FabTraining, we believe that everyone should have access to essential first aid skills—no matter their age, background, or circumstances. That’s why we created the Fab First Aid Fund, a unique initiative that helps make first aid training more accessible to local schools, groups, and community organisations.

🌟 Why We Set Up the Fund

The idea for the Fab First Aid Fund came from our deep-rooted belief that first aid saves lives and that knowledge should never be limited by budget. We saw firsthand how many schools and small community groups struggled to access training due to financial constraints. So, we decided to take action.

By setting aside a portion of our profits the Fab First Aid Fund was born. It allows us to provide free or heavily subsidised training to those who need it most.

🛠️ How It Works

Each year, we allocate a set budget from the fund to support local initiatives. Schools, clubs, and community groups can apply for support by filling out a simple online form. We review each request carefully, making decisions based on impact, need, and availability.

In the past, the Fab First Aid Fund has supported:

• Free CPR training for local sports clubs

• First aid awareness sessions for parent groups

• Mini Medics courses in primary schools

• Equipment donations to youth groups

Every penny in the fund is used to promote lifesaving knowledge and community resilience.

🧒🏽 The Latest Initiative: Free Mini Medics for Schools This Summer

We're excited to announce that this summer term (May–July), we’re inviting local schools to apply for a free Mini Medics first aid session, funded entirely by the Fab First Aid Fund!

The Mini Medics programme is designed for children aged 7–11. It’s a fun, interactive way to introduce young people to basic first aid and emergency awareness. From learning how to call 999 to understanding how to help someone who’s unresponsive, these sessions build confidence, skills, and a real sense of responsibility.

We’re aiming to deliver sessions inat least 10 local schools but we’d love to do more, depending on demand and available funds.

✏️ How Schools Can Get Involved

If you work at or know a school that would benefit from a Mini Medics session this summer, we’d love to hear from you!

Click below to nominate a school or apply now

You can also help us spread the word by sharing this blog post or our social media updates. Together, we can inspire the next generation of lifesavers.