Frequently Asked Questions
Quick overview
Who are we?
Vanir Training is a UK‑wide training provider: we source and deliver courses across construction, safety and compliance with live availability, delivered classroom, virtual, blended or on‑site for your team. You can search dates nationwide and book online or request quotes.
What kinds of courses do we list?
From e‑learning (e.g., Manual Handling, Fire Safety, Food Safety) to accredited qualifications (e.g., IPAF, PASMA, CITB SSP/SMSTS/SSSTS, IOSH, NEBOSH, EUSR, NRSWA, CPCS/NPORS, City & Guilds). You can also filter by accrediting body on the courses page.
Booking, pricing & support
How do I book?
- Tell us what you need (course, numbers, location, dates).
- We’ll send options and prices.
- Book online by card or invoice; we’ll issue joining instructions and reminders.
- Results tracked and certificates issued promptly.
Can I pay by invoice?
Yes. Invoices are subject to approval. Payment is due within 14 days of invoice or 5 working days before the course—whichever is sooner. Card payment is available at checkout.
What’s your cancellation/transfer policy?
- More than 10 working days before start: refund minus any unrecoverable third‑party costs.
- 5–10 working days: 50% fee.
- Fewer than 5 working days / no‑show: 100% fee.
Date transfers may incur an admin/supplier fee; delegate substitutions are free up to 2 working days prior (subject to prerequisites).
Do you offer bulk bookings?
Yes — use our Bulk booking form (Excel) on the Resources page or contact the team for a project quote.
How do I contact you?
See our Contact page for phone, email and WhatsApp. Typical hours are Mon–Fri 9:00–17:30 with fast replies during opening hours.
Delivery formats & locations
Where do you run courses?
UK‑wide venues every week, plus on‑site delivery at your premises for teams or projects. We also run virtual and blended formats.
Can you fit around shifts/night work?
Yes — our scheduling is flexible to fit shift patterns and programme dates.
Do you provide templates to help with compliance?
Yes — free downloads include an attendance sheet, RAMS training template, permit‑to‑work checklist, and site induction checklist (see Resources).
Accreditation, certificates & results
Which awarding bodies do you cover?
Examples: IPAF, PASMA, Ladder Association, CITB (Site Safety Plus), IOSH, NEBOSH, City & Guilds, UKATA, RTITB, CPCS, NPORS, EUSR, NRSWA, BOHS, IEMA/ISEP, BRCGS, CQI/IRCA and more. Ask us for dates by city.
When will my certificate arrive? (Typical UK timeframes)
- CITB SMSTS/SSSTS: certificates are now digital; many providers state up to 28 working days after course end.
- IOSH Managing Safely: providers commonly quote 4–6 weeks for certificates.
- NEBOSH: results are issued within 50 working days of the assessment date (open‑book or invigilated). Certificates follow results.
Note: Vanir issues certificates as soon as awarding bodies release results and fees are settled.
Do you issue digital cards?
Yes — some schemes now use digital credentials. For example, IPAF issues a digital PAL Card via the ePAL app.
Can you help me check a card is genuine?
Yes — many schemes have online checkers (e.g., CITB Online Card Checker; IPAF ePAL card; CSCS online). Ask us for the right checker link for your scheme.
Funding & employer support
Can I claim CITB grant for training?
If you’re a CITB‑registered employer, you may be able to claim grants for short courses, qualifications or apprenticeships. We’ll supply the paperwork you need.
Do you help with renewals monitoring?
Yes — on request we can track results and manage renewals to keep your team compliant.
First aid & health and safety
How long is a First Aid at Work (FAW/EFAW) certificate valid?
Three years. The HSE also recommends annual refresher training to keep skills current.
Do you offer HSE‑recognised blended options for first aid?
Yes — ask us about formats available locally. UK providers increasingly offer blended pathways that still meet HSE guidance.
Where can I find official HSE first‑aid guidance?
See the HSE’s First aid at work: Guidance on Regulations (L74) and the HSE first‑aid portal.
CSCS cards & construction competence
I need a CSCS Green (Labourer) Card — what are the steps?
- Achieve a Level 1 Health & Safety qualification (e.g., Highfield Level 1 Award). We offer a 100% online option.
- Pass the CITB HS&E test (booked directly with CITB).
- Apply for your card via CSCS Online / My CSCS app.
We can bundle step 1 (and practice support) for you.
Is your Level 1 for the CSCS Green Card online?
Yes. Our course includes the official Highfield Level 1 Award and can be done from home; we provide the steps to completion.
Do higher‑level CSCS cards require NVQs?
Yes — blue/gold/black cards typically require NVQ Level 2/3/5–7 (role dependent).
IPAF, PASMA & working at height
What are the basics for IPAF Operator training (3a/3b)?
It’s typically a one‑day practical + theory course for MEWP operation. Candidates must usually be 16+ and medically fit; PPE (boots, hi‑vis, helmet, harness with adjustable lanyard) is commonly required by centres. IPAF training includes basic harness awareness; inspection is a separate module.
How do I get my IPAF card?
Successful delegates receive a digital PAL Card in the IPAF ePAL app (valid 5 years). Physical cards may be available on request via centres.
What does PASMA “Towers for Users” cover?
Safe assembly, inspection, moving and dismantling of mobile towers (EN 1004 methods), with theory and practical assessment. The PASMA photo‑ID card shows categories completed.
CITB Site Safety Plus (SSSTS/SMSTS)
How long are SMSTS/SSSTS certificates valid?
Five years. You must take the relevant refresher (2‑day SMSTS‑R / 1‑day SSSTS‑R) before expiry, otherwise you must re‑take the full course.
Do CITB certificates come digitally now?
Yes — many providers note digital issue (no printed certificates) with typical 28 working days turnaround after course end.
IOSH & NEBOSH
What’s the status of IOSH Managing Safely certificates — do they expire?
The certificate itself doesn’t carry an expiry date, but IOSH recommends completing the Managing Safely Refresher about three years after the original course.
How quickly are NEBOSH results and certificates issued?
NEBOSH Certificate‑level results are released within 50 working days of the assessment date. Certificates follow once results are confirmed.
Alcohol licensing (APLH/SCPLH)
Can I take APLH/SCPLH online?
Yes — our APLH (Level 2) and SCPLH include online learning plus exam online or at a test centre. We also offer application bundles that include the DBS and council application steps.
Food safety & allergens
Do you offer Food Safety certificates online?
Yes — Level 2 and Level 3 RQF Food Safety in Catering options are available; learners study online and gain an accredited qualification.
Is Allergen Awareness included?
We offer a focused Allergen Awareness short course and a Level 2 Award in Food Allergen Awareness and Control in Catering (RQF).
E‑learning & CPD
Which subjects are available as short e‑learning?
Examples include: Manual Handling, Fire Marshal, COSHH, Working at Height, Health & Safety Awareness, Infection Control, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Customer Service, IT/Office skills, Traffic Marshal (theory) and more (most from £30 + VAT).
Are e‑learning courses accredited?
Some are CPD‑style awareness modules; others carry RQF awards from recognised awarding bodies (look for “Level X Award (RQF)” in the title). If in doubt, ask — we’ll confirm the awarding body and assessment method.
On‑site delivery, prerequisites & PPE
Can you deliver on‑site at our depot/site?
Yes — nationwide on‑site delivery. You provide a safe space, welfare facilities and (where practical assessments are involved) compliant equipment/plant; our trainer brings the rest.
What ID or prior certificates do we need?
Some courses require photo ID or prerequisite qualifications (e.g., SMSTS‑R, certain IPAF/PASMA categories). We’ll advise during booking and may request evidence before confirming attendance.
What PPE will I need?
For practical courses, typical PPE includes safety boots and hi‑vis; specialist courses may require helmets and harness (e.g., IPAF boom categories). Your joining instructions will specify PPE.
Results, records & replacements
How do we receive joining instructions and reminders?
We email joining instructions after booking and send reminders ahead of the date.
Can you replace lost certificates?
Yes — with the awarding body’s fee and processing time. (Replacement or name changes may incur admin/body fees.)
Data protection & accessibility
How do you use my personal data?
We only process what’s needed to quote, book, deliver training and issue certificates; card data is handled by our payment provider; we may share limited details with accrediting bodies and delivery partners. See our Privacy Policy for details and your rights under UK GDPR.
Do you support accessibility needs or reasonable adjustments?
Yes — tell us what you need when booking (e.g., accessible formats, additional time, assistive technology). Our site aims to meet WCAG 2.2 AA and we can supply information in alternative formats on request.
How we compare with the wider UK market (for context)
What typical certificate timelines should I expect in the UK?
- Many providers now issue CITB certificates digitally and quote ≤ 28 working days after course end.
- IOSH Managing Safely certificates typically 4–6 weeks post‑assessment.
- NEBOSH results up to 50 working days (certificates follow).
What is the official CSCS process?
The CSCS process requires both a qualification (e.g., Level 1 H&S) and the CITB HS&E test, then application via CSCS Online/My CSCS — this is the official route.
What about IPAF credentials?
IPAF now uses ePAL (digital PAL card), widely adopted across the UK.
Course‑specific quick answers
Traffic Marshal (Banksman) – is your online module accepted?
Our e‑learning covers theory and responsibilities. Where a client or site specifies a practical assessment, book a practical session in addition to the theory. (We’ll advise the right option for your project.)
COSHH / Asbestos Awareness – do you offer online?
Yes — both are available as short e‑learning, and Asbestos Awareness as online theory. Task‑specific or non‑licensable/licensable work requires additional training — ask us for the right route.
Food Safety – Level 2 vs Level 3?
Level 2 suits food handlers; Level 3 is supervisory/management level with deeper HACCP and management content. Both are available online as RQF awards.
Fire Safety – do you deliver Fire Marshal/Warden?
Yes — e‑learning for awareness and role responsibilities; ask for classroom/on‑site practical (alarms/evacuation) if required by your policy.
Mental Health First Aid / Wellbeing – what are my options?
We offer short awareness modules and Level 1/2 RQF introductions to mental health & first aid for mental health. Ask us for live classroom dates in your city if you want tutor‑led.
Not sure what you need?
How can I find the right course quickly?
Use Find courses to filter by city, category, delivery type and accrediting body, or ask us to shortlist options and hold provisional seats for your team via the Contact page.
