Monday, June 23, 2025
On Monday, 14 July 2025, a significant milestone will be reached when the first cohort of event security apprentices graduates at a ceremony held at ExCeL London. This marks a pivotal moment for a new, collaborative initiative that seeks to reshape the future of the events and security industries. Through the development of this apprenticeship programme, several key industry players have joined forces to provide young professionals with the skills and experience they need to thrive in these dynamic fields.
The programme, a collaboration between The Event & Exhibition Partnership, Stambridge Group, ExCeL London, The Ops Nest, TSP Learn, and Events Apprentices, aims to improve the integration between event operations and security services, especially in light of the upcoming Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law) legislation. This new initiative brings together vital components of event security, offering a pathway for aspiring professionals to join the growing and essential field of event security.
The apprenticeship model introduced by this initiative integrates critical components like hands-on venue experience, licensing, emergency first aid, and accessibility training, which are necessary for professionals working in event security. Additionally, the programme includes Level 2 and Level 3 security apprenticeships, tailored specifically for those starting out in or already working in frontline security and guarding roles at live events and venues.
By focusing on both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, this initiative is designed to meet the pressing need for highly trained event security professionals. As the events industry continues to grow, the integration of security into event planning and operations has become more essential than ever. This programme aims to provide the foundation needed to equip workers with the competence required to keep events safe and secure, aligning with the upcoming security requirements dictated by Martyn’s Law.
The apprenticeship programme is the result of a cross-sector partnership that has united various stakeholders in the events and security industries. Among the key figures behind the initiative are Lou Kiwanuka, who is leading the project, and industry veterans such as Liz Turner from the EEP Security Team, Henry Havis from ExCeL London, and Kevin Bird from Stambridge Group.
Kiwanuka, who is spearheading the programme, explained that the aim of the initiative goes beyond just providing jobs; it is about creating sustainable careers in the event security sector. “This is about ensuring that we have a pipeline of skilled professionals who will help raise the standards of the events industry and enhance the safety and security of events across the country,” she said.
The collaboration between ExCeL London, Stambridge Group, and The Event & Exhibition Partnership is an example of the growing recognition within the industry that security and event operations must work hand in hand. The partnership provides the necessary expertise, resources, and infrastructure to support the apprentices as they gain real-world experience in a dynamic and challenging environment.
Richard Waddington, chair of Events Apprenticeships, emphasized the importance of major venues taking the lead on training and development. “It’s essential for venues to set the example by ensuring their contractors are committed to proper training. This drives safety standards, raises industry professionalism, and ensures a long-term change in how event security is viewed and handled,” he said.
Waddington’s comments highlight a fundamental aspect of the apprenticeship programme: the emphasis on long-term career development. By providing apprentices with a career pathway, the initiative hopes to create a highly skilled, future-ready workforce capable of meeting the complex security challenges posed by modern events. The programme is expected to play a key role in addressing the growing need for qualified security staff across the UK and beyond.
One of the main drivers behind this initiative is the upcoming implementation of Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. The law mandates that venues with a capacity of 200 or more must take specific security measures to ensure the safety of attendees. This includes proper training for staff and clear procedures for responding to emergencies. The apprenticeship programme is designed to ensure that the security personnel tasked with overseeing such events are well-prepared to meet these new legislative requirements, helping venues comply with the law and ensure public safety.
The Protect Duty, also known as Martyn’s Law, is expected to have a major impact on how event security is handled in the UK. As the legislation becomes more widespread, the need for well-trained security staff will only continue to grow, making this apprenticeship initiative an important step in shaping the future of event security.
The graduation ceremony at ExCeL London on 14 July 2025 will celebrate the first cohort of apprentices who have completed the programme. It is expected to be attended by representatives from across the security and events sectors, including the Metropolitan Police, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), and other key stakeholders. This event will highlight the progress that has been made in reshaping the event security sector and is expected to draw attention to the growing demand for skilled professionals.
As this initiative moves forward, it will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the events industry remains secure, innovative, and capable of adapting to the needs of modern-day event planning. With the increasing importance of security in large public gatherings, the apprenticeship programme is a critical development for ensuring that the workforce is ready to face future challenges.
The success of this programme could inspire other industries to adopt similar apprenticeship models, creating more opportunities for young people to enter secure and rewarding career paths within the wider events and hospitality sectors. Through this innovative approach, the event security industry is taking crucial steps to enhance safety, professionalism, and sustainability in the years to come.
The introduction of event security apprenticeships marks a new chapter in the MICE sector’s commitment to raising standards and ensuring safety at live events. By fostering a skilled and dedicated workforce, the collaboration between ExCeL London, The Event & Exhibition Partnership, and other key industry players is setting the stage for a safer and more professional future in event security. The 2025 graduation ceremony will be a momentous occasion, showcasing the impact of this initiative in shaping the future of the industry.
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