On Monday 14 July 2025, the first cohort of apprentices will graduate at a ceremony hosted at Excel London, marking a key milestone for a new industry-led training initiative.
The programme, developed through a cross-sector collaboration between The Event & Exhibition Partnership, Stambridge Group, Excel London, The Ops Nest, TSP Learn and Events Apprentices is reshaping how talent is trained across the events and security industries.
The initiative was developed in response to a clear need for better integration between event operations and security services, especially with the upcoming Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law).
The apprenticeship model brings together essential components like venue experience, licensing, emergency first aid, and accessibility training, alongside Level 2 and Level 3 security apprenticeships, tailored for those working or starting out in frontline security and guarding roles at live events and venues.
“This isn’t just about giving people jobs, it’s about creating careers in event security,” said Lou Kiwanuka, who is leading the initiative. “We want venues and companies to back this, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it raises the bar across the industry.”
Key figures supporting the initiative include Liz Turner (EEP Security Team), Henry Havis (Excel London), and Kevin Bird (Stambridge Group).
Turner noted: “The apprenticeship enables our people to grow and carve out a real future in the industry,” while Havis called it “a great launchpad” for the next generation of professionals.
Richard Waddington, chair of Events Apprenticeships said: “Major venues must lead by example, ensuring their contractors commit to training and development, raising standards, improving safety, and driving long-term change across the live events industry. Event security apprenticeships are vital to building a skilled, future-ready workforce by creating real career paths, not just jobs.”
The 14 July event will be attended by representatives from across the security and events sectors, including Met Police, SIA, and others.
Organisers are calling on industry media, including Access All Areas, Event Production News, and Exhibition News, to help amplify the initiative and encourage support from major venues and security providers.
