Training Officer
simon Cataldo MIFSM
Cataldo Training was established in 2021 by Simon Cataldo MIFSM. Simon is a former Firefighter, having also served in the Royal Navy and Mines Rescue Services. Cataldo Training was borne from Simon’s passion for training.
His career started as a Firefighter in a local authority Fire & Rescue Service, serving at busy city centre fire stations, where experience is briskly gained.
Simon then moved onto the Royal Navy. As well as operations UK and overseas, Simon enjoyed a lasting commitment to sports, from Weightlifting (both competitor and coach) to Cycling to Bobsleigh (the latter still competing, now as a Royal Navy Reserve).
Following the RN, Simon then returned to Firefighting, this time in aviation at a busy UK Airport. A move to the Mines Rescue Service followed, and this is where Simon saw his passion for training others really develop.
Simon quickly developed his own style of delivering, relying less on reading verbatim from PowerPoint presentations and fully engaging the learners through practical training, as well as relaying previous experiences to underpin the knowledge and bring the courses to life.
Courses are always delivered in a relaxing and inclusive environment and, combined with a healthy dose of fun and laughter, this continues to form the basis of the training offered by the company. If you are enjoying it then chances are you are also learning!
The main thing that we want you to gain from ALL our courses is confidence!
Simon himself is also part of the Training Team at the Fire Training Centre at Marine Offshore Safety Training in South Shields which is second to none for the delivery of realistic Marine Firefighting training.
Cataldo Training is a big advocate of supporting local businesses and giving something back to the community. We are proud to sponsor a local grass-roots U15 football team, Clegwell FC.
In addition, Cataldo Training also supports CHUF (Children’s Heart Unit Fund) and have provided free of charge training to these and other voluntary associations.
We enjoy a regular working relationship with numerous North East businesses and educational settings and value their respective loyalty in continuing to utilise Cataldo Training for their Health and Safety training needs – particularly First Aid and Fire Training.
Cataldo Training will come to YOUR chosen site at a time that suits you. All we need is a room with sufficient chairs for delegates and floor space for First Aid practical. For Fire courses we require an outdoor space (further details in fire courses)
BESPOKE TRAINING CASE STUDIES
Cataldo Training was approached by a regular client to design and deliver practical firefighting taster sessions for Uniformed Protection Services students aged 16–18.
Cataldo Training was approached to support a wider programme of holiday club activity sessions across schools and venues in County Durham, introudcing the kids to basic first aid.
Cataldo Training was approached by Amazon to provide refresher first aid training for as many staff as possible during a busy working day, refreshing essential skills already learned.
Five Star Rated Training Provider Across the North
First Aid Training Accredited by
FAIB-approved first aid training centre, meeting industry standards for course quality, content and assessment.
We are a member of the national federation for first aid training organisations, recognised for professionalism, safety and compliance.
Cataldo Training Ltd is an approved and registered Training Centre (License No 57/25 1118) with FAIB First Aid Industry Body and FOFATO Federation of First Aid Training Organisations (Member FM1152).
All Certificates are Valid for 3 Years.
Success Stories
"I was thrilled to take part in this fantastic session at Amazon! Participating alongside our engineers and the site safety team, I was truly impressed by the professionalism displayed by Simon Cataldo MIFSM Training & Rescue. "
Adam Wilkinson
"Amazing knowledge—accompanied by fantastic stories and examples; Really loved Simons teaching method. I felt no pressure and had lots of fun, and learned a shed load. Really confident in my abilities now."
Gemma Fawcett
"I attended an Emergency First Aid at Work course delivered by Simon in October 2024. I found the whole experience to be top quality, Simon is a first class trainer, great instructor and totally committed to course attendees. I am delighted to be able to say I now hold a certificate for the above. 100% recommend this hardworking, relatable and genuine person. Thank you Simon"
Gail Redhead
"We had the pleasure of working with Cataldo Fire and Safety Training, specifically Simon Cataldo, to deliver first aid training to our primary-aged children during our summer holiday clubs. Simon was fantastic with the kids, breaking down complex concepts like CPR and defibrillator use into simple, easy-to-understand steps. His engaging teaching style encouraged everyone to participate in practical learning, making the sessions both fun and informative."
Sports Cool Durham
Fear Less Do More Podcast
In this episode of 'Fear Less, Do More', Gill Hunter converses with Simon Cataldo MIFSM, the founder of Cataldo Training and Rescue. Simon recounts his diverse professional trajectory, which includes duty in the fire department, the navy, and entrepreneurship. He addresses the relevance of capitalising on opportunities and embracing the possibility of failure, along with his methodology for providing first aid and fire safety training, highlighting the need to share experiences and foster engagement.
Cataldo Training will arrive at your selected location at a time that is convenient for you. We require a room with adequate seating for delegates and sufficient floor space for First Aid practicals. Outdoor space is required for Fire classes.
About Small Business Podcast
In this episode I sit down with Barry to talk about how I’ve somehow turned a boyhood dream and a few “random” choices into Cataldo Training.
We chat about what I do now – travelling to workplaces to deliver first aid and fire training that’s hands-on, story-led and never “death by PowerPoint.” I explain why every course is tailored to the people in the room, whether they’re engineers, office staff or a bunch of 16-year-olds who just want to use the hose.
We go back to my days in the Fire Service and Royal Navy, the outdoor centre at 17, and how those experiences shaped my views on teamwork, leadership, punctuality, and actually enjoying what you do for a living.
A big theme from this chat is following your heart over the pay packet, valuing time and experiences over “stuff,” and why I’d rather run fewer courses really well than pack the diary and burn out.
It’s honest chat about work, purpose and keeping the passion in what you do. I hope you enjoy it.