Presenting the first cohort of graduates from the Event Security Apprenticeship programme with their awards, Figen Murray (pictured) said they were pioneers.

The training scheme, involving stakeholders such as Stambridge Group, ExCeL London, The Ops Nest, and The Skills Partnership, saw its first graduates celebrated at a ceremony at Excel London presented by Murray.

Since the death of her son Martyn in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, Murray relentlessly campaigned for the implementation of Protect Duty legislation, aka Martyn’s Law.

Stambridge Group director Jamie Spiers said the graduation marked a major milestone for the Event Security Apprenticeship programme, created with the aim of raising standards, building sustainable careers and ensuring the UK events sector is safer and more resilient.

The event also recognised the team involved in building the training programme, including Liz Turner of The Event & Exhibition Partnership and James Bishop of The Skills Partnership. Thanks were also extended to Henry Havis and the team at Excel London for hosting the workshops and graduation, and to Patrick Bourke and Jamie Spiers for delivering first aid training and supporting the event delivery.

“These graduates aren’t just learners, they are pioneers,” said Murray.

“As industry leaders we have a duty to do more than just provide jobs, we must create opportunities for development,” said Spiers “The Security Apprenticeships is a programme that results in far more than just a certificate, for me it represents belief, opportunity and community. This programme isn’t about ticking boxes.

“With the Protect Duty [Martyn’s Law] receiving Royal Assent and becoming a legal obligation by 2027, the emphasis on accountability, training, and quality has never been more vital. As professionals in the events and security space, we have a duty to invest in and develop our people. We must create a standardised pledge to consistently raise the bar; giving venues and clients confidence that the providers they work with are delivering the best-trained

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