Events Apprenticeships Expand to Include Security – First Graduates to be Celebrated at Excel London
24 June 2025
A new industry-led initiative is redefining the way we train and develop talent across the events and security sectors. Driven by a collaboration between The Event & Exhibition Partnership, Stambridge Group, Excel London, The Ops Nest, TSP Learn and Events Apprenticeships, the programme blends security training with hands-on experience in the event space, creating a broader, more practical pathway into the industry. Organisers aim to maximise industry visibility and buy-in, positioning the apprenticeship not as a ‘nice-to-have’, but as a business necessity for companies serious about safety, compliance, and professional standards.
On Monday 14 July 2025, the first cohort of apprentices will graduate in a ceremony hosted at Excel London. The event will mark more than just the end of the first cohort, it's the start of a wider movement to professionalise and future-proof security roles within the events industry. We’re honoured to welcome Figen Murray MBE, who will be attending the ceremony to present the awards. Figen has generously offered advice and encouragement within the development process and is excited to support the graduates on the day.
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). This legislation places legal accountability on venues and event professionals to ensure robust safety and preparedness, making training, standards, and competence more important than ever.
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. It’s 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.
Henry Havis, Head of Security at Excel London, commented: “Ensuring our four million annual visitors are safe and secure is paramount to Excel London. This initiative helps us build a pipeline of skilled professionals and creates a solid entry point into the field. We’re very proud to be supporting this and to be hosting the event at our venue.”
Richard Waddington, Chair of Events Apprenticeships added, “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 14th 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.
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