A training aid for practicing inserting a needle in a vein, the aid including: a base which is resistant to penetration by a needle; a tube located on one side of the base; a covering which extends over the base and the tube, the arrangement being such that the other side of the base can be placed on the skin of a person so that a needle can then be inserted through the covering to penetrate the tube so as to simulate insertion through the skin and penetration of the vein of the person.