A post by Skills for Security.
To combat the well documented skills shortage, workforce development in the security and fire safety sector will continue to be shaped by the need to combine practical experience with structured learning on a hybrid basis.
Apprenticeships play a vital role in this process, offering employees a pathway to gain bespoke hands-on experience while developing core industry-recognised skills. Leading brands actively sponsoring apprenticeships demonstrate a commitment to both their teams and the wider sector, ensuring standards remain high and skills are consistently developed.
Sponsorship is about leading brands contributing to structured learning that is both accessible and relevant. We have seen how employers provide the resources, time and guidance that allow apprentices to progress, develop their skills and contribute effectively to operations. Partnerships with training providers enhance this process by delivering programmes tailored to organisational needs and flexible enough to fit into employees’ working lives.
Skills On-Demand, launched in 2024, has proven to illustrate how smart learning can complement apprenticeships. Security teams often operate across multiple sites, shifts, and roles, which can make traditional classroom training difficult.
Skills On-Demand provides flexible access to resources, enabling employees and their apprentices to fit learning around working schedules and apply knowledge immediately in their roles. This approach integrates education into every day and ensures apprentices are gaining practical skills in real time while also completing structured programmes.
Kings Secure Technologies recently implemented Skills On-Demand across their organisation. By supporting apprentices and staff with flexible, early feedback already shows how KST is ensuring their workforce remains aligned with evolving industry standards. This demonstrates how apprenticeships can be supported alongside broader learning initiatives, giving employees practical experience and development opportunities while maintaining operational efficiency.
We are also celebrating the growth and success of our Business360 programme. 2025 saw the continued expansion of pathways and support for more apprentices on their journey. Two new courses, namely Customer Service Specialist and Operations Manager were introduced, broadening opportunities for both learners and employers.
The achievements of apprentices on these programmes have been exceptional, with a 78% distinction rate and a 100% pass rate. It’s an exciting prospect to grow, highlighting the tangible impact of combining structured learning, practical experience and staff investment.
Flexible learning solutions such as Skills On-Demand complement apprenticeships by ensuring learning is accessible. This supports engagement, retention, and skill application, giving organisations confidence their workforce is competent and prepared for emerging challenges. Apprenticeships provide a long-term route for talent development, helping businesses address skills shortages while creating motivated and capable teams.
Looking ahead, sponsorship, partnerships and apprenticeships will remain central to workforce development in the security and fire safety sector. Employers who invest in structured programmes, flexible learning and practical experience are better equipped to maintain standards, adapt to change and nurture the next generation of skilled professionals.
The collaboration between Skills for Security and our partners demonstrates how combining apprenticeships with flexible, on-demand learning can deliver measurable results across organisations. By working together, we can strengthen teams, provide meaningful development opportunities and continue to raise standards across our sector.
