Aura Training Academy Courses
Want to train with friends or colleagues? Aura Training Academy offers flexible group options. Complete the form and we’ll get back to you with details and next steps. If you have any questions on solo or group bookings don’t hesitate to contact us today.
RLSS National Pool Lifeguard & AED Qualifications (2 in 1)

Course Aim: The NPLQ covers all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguarding Theory, First Aid and CPR.
This qualification prepares learners to prevent, recognise, and respond to aquatic emergencies. It provides comprehensive training in pool rescue skills, lifeguarding practice, and first aid, including the management of breathing and cardiac emergencies, enabling learners to act confidently in a wide range of emergency situations.
We are proud to be official partners of RLSS UK, delivering high-quality, industry-recognised training to the standards set by the Royal Life Saving Society UK. As part of our NPLQ programme, all learners also complete the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) course, which is included as standard, giving candidates two internationally recognised qualifications within one course!
Additional Options: RLSS UK Ongoing Training CPDs & Renewals available. Please complete the enquiry form to contact a site.
Course Duration: Minimum of 5 days + Assessment
Certification: On successful completion of the course & assessment, candidates will receive the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) awarded by RLSS UK Qualifications.
Certificate Valid: for 2 years
Course Cost: €525
RLSS Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Qualification

Course Aim: RLSS UK’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course teaches candidates how to give effective CPR and use an AED – meaning they feel confident if an emergency occurs and need to deliver lifesaving CPR procedures either in public or the workplace.
We are proud to be official partners of RLSS UK, delivering high-quality, industry-recognised training to the standards set by the Royal Life Saving Society UK.
Course Duration: ½ Day
Certification: On successful completion of the course & assessment, candidates will receive the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Qualification awarded by RLSS UK Qualifications.
Certificate Valid: for 2 years
Course Cost: €60
RLSS National Pool Supervisor Qualification (NPSQ)

Course Aim: The National Pool Supervisor Qualification (NPSQ) is aimed at staff responsible for supervising lifeguards and managing essential health and safety within a leisure centre or swimming pool environment. It is suitable for lifeguards wishing to progress in their career or for employers wanting to upskill their employees to manage lifeguards, team members and essential health and safety.
We are proud to be official partners of RLSS UK, delivering high-quality, industry-recognised training to the standards set by the Royal Life Saving Society UK.
Course Duration: 2 Days
Certification: On successful completion of the course & assessment, candidates will receive the National Pool Supervisor Qualification (NPSQ) awarded by RLSS UK Qualifications.
Certificate Valid: for 3 years
Course Cost: €250
STA Swimming Teacher Qualification

Course Aim: The STA Swimming Teacher qualification gives learners the knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to plan, deliver and evaluate safe, fun, progressive and inclusive lessons to adult and child learn to swim participants. Within a positive learning environment, learners will be able teach the essential swimming skills, strokes and water safety, appropriate to the participant’s needs across all ability groups.
Course Duration: 20 individual learning hours via blended learning (must be completed prior to attending the course) & 4 days face-to-face
Certification: On successful completion of the course & assessment, candidates will receive the STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification awarded by Safety Training Awards.
No expiration date
Course Cost: €595
STA Pool Plant Operations

Course Aim: The Pool Plant Operations qualification is the highest level of training available for those who are responsible for the management and maintenance of swimming pools, spas and interactive water features. It reflects the most up-to-date requirements and standards for pool plant operations, with a robust syllabus which covers all aspects that are vital to running a wet leisure facility and maintaining healthy and hygienic water including: water testing, disinfection, pool water chemistry, dosing, mechanical operations, heating, energy efficiency, management practices, health & safety and more!
Course Duration: 3 days
Certification: On successful completion of the course & assessment, candidates will receive the STA Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations Qualification awarded by Safety Training Awards.
Certificate Valid: for 5 years.
Course Cost: €525
STA Pool Water Treatment

Course Aim: This qualification is ideal for those who complete routine water testing and need to have general knowledge of swimming pool water treatment; it’s also the perfect stepping stone for those considering a career in pool maintenance and management, before they embark on our full Pool Plant Operations course.
Course Duration: 1 Day
Certification: On successful completion of the course & assessment, candidates will receive the STA Level 2 Award in Pool Water Treatment Qualification awarded by Safety Training Awards.
Certificate Valid: for 5 years
Course Cost: €250
PHECC First Aid Response (FAR)

Course Aim: The First Aid Response (FAR) course is the nationally recognised first aid qualification approved by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). It is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide effective first aid and basic life support in a wide range of emergency situations. The course covers patient assessment, management of medical and traumatic emergencies, cardiac arrest, use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and incident management, in line with current PHECC clinical practice guidelines. FAR is suitable for workplaces, community groups, and individuals who may be required to act as designated first aid responders.
Course Duration: 3 Days
Certification: On successful completion of the course & assessment, candidates will receive the PHECC First Aid Response Qualification awarded by Emergency Care.
Certificate Valid: for 2 years.
Course Cost: €375
PHECC Cardiac First Response (CFR)

Course Aim: The Cardiac First Response (CFR) course is a PHECC-approved programme designed to equip learners with the essential skills to respond to life-threatening emergencies, particularly cardiac arrest, until advanced medical help arrives. The course focuses on early recognition of emergencies, high-quality CPR, and the safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), in line with current PHECC clinical practice guidelines.
Course Duration: ½ Day
Certification: On successful completion of the course & assessment, candidates will receive the PHECC Cardiac First Response Qualification awarded by Emergency Care.
Certificate Valid: for 2 years.
Course Cost: €60
Manual Handling

Course Aim: The Manual Handling course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills to lift, carry, push, and pull loads safely, helping to reduce the risk of injury in the workplace. The course focuses on safe movement techniques, risk awareness, and best practice in line with current health and safety guidance.
Course Duration: 1/2 day
Certification: On successful completion of the course & assessment, candidates will receive a Manual Handling Certificate awarded by a QQI National Trainer.
Certificate Valid: for 3 years
Course Cost: €35
Fire Training

Course Aim: The Fire Safety Training course equips learners with essential knowledge to help prevent fires and respond safely in the event of a fire emergency. The course covers fire prevention, fire hazards, evacuation procedures, and the safe use of fire extinguishers.
Course Duration: 1/2 day
Certification: On successful completion of the course & assessment, candidates will receive a Qualtec recognised certificate.
Certificate Valid: for 2 years
Course Cost: €40
OUR LEARNING PRINCIPLES
Respond to your needs
Clear Information
Relevant Training
ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, LEARN!
Aura has been in the Leisure industry since 1989 and are leaders within this industry. Our services range from strategic leisure planning to feasibility studies; development of business plans to project management; facility design to event design; construction of a new building to conservation and refurbishment of an existing building; event management to operational facility management and expert training courses. Whatever your requirements, the Aura Holohan Group has the experience and expertise that you need.

Aura Training Academy is committed to encouraging and enabling adults to achieve quality learning opportunities through our training courses, including swim teaching, personal training courses, lifeguard courses, AED and many more.
Training Support Grant

If you are interested in any of our courses but are wondering about funding, why not see if you are eligible for the Intreo training grant! Intreo provide quick access to funding by giving up to €500 for people to participate in short term training. There is also an opportunity for you to renew qualifications that may have lapsed. The aim of this grant is to get people back into employment in a shorter and more effective time frame. You can apply for the Intreo training grant through your case officer in your local Intreo centre, or you can click the link below to learn more about it.
COURSE FEEDBACK
Course
First Aid Responder
I have been working with these guys for years now! With lots of hard work and timely communication, they made sure they delivered the best to me. Highly recommended!I have completed the course on 2 occasions with Gerard. With the knowledge gained, I feel I am equipped with the skills necessary to act and handle a situation where it arises. I would strongly recommend & encourage people to part take in the course as I feel it is a qualification all capable adults should hold
Alex
Anytime Fitness Clondalkin
Course
Cardiac First Response
Gerard was very easy to listen to and had an excellent depth of knowledge and experience. A very enjoyable course and learned a lot
Eithne
Sligo Regional Sports Centre
Course
Pool Plant Operations
An enjoyable course which was well run. Instructor was very knowledgeable and easy to listen to. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to further develop in the leisure industry. I have also attended other courses ran by Gerard and they are excellent
Ollie
Kells Swimming Pool
Course
First Aid Responder
“I enjoyed how the FAR course was taught in a very interactive and practical way, The Instructor Gerard did very well in engaging with us all, sharing experiences from each first aid topic made it very relevant to everyday life”
Paul
Anytime Fitness Maynooth
Course
Cardiac First Response
An excellent course which covered a range of topics. I really learned a lot of useful and important information
Claire
Kells National School
Course
National Pool
Supervisor Qualification
Found the course very useful and beneficial. Instructor was great with lots of information. No awkward group activities in comparison to other courses I have done. Overall would recommend to a friend
Evan
Clannlife Fitness Ashbourne
Course
First Aid Responder
“When doing the FAR course, I found it very interesting and well presented by Ger. Once I finished it was easy to understand what was needed in most situations if they ever occurred. Ger was more than willing to answer any questions and had a great knowledge of the curriculum and structure of the course”
Tom
Aura Leisure Limerick
Course
Cardiac First Response
Very well delivered Course
David
Sligo Regional Sports Centre
Course
First Aid Responder
“Excellent Course, well delivered and topics properly explained. It was well balanced with plenty of practical elements to help the learning experience”
Dominika
Radisson Blu Hotel Cork
Course
Pool Plant Operations
I found the course of great benefit as an Operations Manager of a busy Leisure Centre. The course covers a broad range of subjects from practical water testing to Management practises. The extensive breadth of subject topics, initially seems daunting, but is delivered in an easy bitesize format that allows you to fully understand each section. The tutor has huge experience and knowledge of each subject matter, with a calm and supportive teaching style. I would fully recommend this course to anyone working in the pool/leisure industry
Chris
Operations Manager Aura Leisure Tullamore
Course
Cardiac First Response
Great course which everyone should take. The content is very informative, and the instructor made the course enjoyable
Maggie
Kells National School
Course
First Aid Responder
“Well structured and concise course. Efficient delivery of both theory and practical elements”
Kacper
Aura Leisure Navan
Course
National Pool
Supervisor Qualification
A well run and structured course. Enjoyable and learned a lot. Gerard made the course enjoyable and had a wealth of knowledge on the topic and answered all our questions
Conor
Kells Swimming Pool
Course
Cardiac First Response
I found the presentation of the course was excellent. The training was full of practical tips and the interactive approach was excellent. Our instructor was very approachable, engaging and put the group at their ease quickly, he responded to group questions thoroughly. The practical element of the training was extremely beneficial, and the instructor was clear and non-judgemental in feedback. I felt confident that I had acquired the desired AED skills on completion of the course. This workshop was a very positive experience, and I would definitely recommend this Instructor to others
Louise
Kilmainham GFC
Course
National Pool
Lifeguard Qualification
Gerard was a pleasure to work with and was very easy to work with throughout the course, which was very enjoyable
Gabor
Portmarnock Swimming Pool
Course
National Pool
Lifeguard Qualification
“I have been dealing with Gerard now for a number of years. I have regularly used Gerard as a trainer and or assessor. I have booked and attended courses run by the Aura Training Academy, which have all been very well run. The organisation of these courses has been extremely smooth and very professional, with trainers who have been friendly and accommodating. The trainers certainly know their areas of expertise and are very adaptable – they genuinely seem to have a real interest in what we have wanted from these training courses and assessments. As a whole, the dealings we’ve had have always been professional and they deliver what they promise, so much so that they are the first “port of call” when we are considering any expert training or consultation”.
Murti
Atlantic Coast Guards
Course
Cardiac First Response
A very informative course, well presented with a mix of practical and theory covering the key information. Great Trainer
Paula
Kells National School
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