IF you have a certificate in first aid it could be the deciding factor if you are one of a line of people competing for a job vacancy.

And FAST, short for First Aid Safety and Training, could help you to get the qualification.

It trains safety and first aid officers for organisations ranging from the Bank of England, the Museum of London and producers such as Covent Garden Soups right down to small local companies.

"We even train individuals who want the certificate as an added string to their bow," said a FAST spokeswoman.

The certificates are valid for three years.

You can find out more at FAST's stand at the Training and Education Exhibition at the De Vere Hotel on June 19 .